CITIZEN AND COMMUNITY JOURNALISM MIDTERM EXAM | Dela Cruz, Azriel Gilson DC.

CITIZEN JOURNALISM vs COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

Community journalism and citizen journalism are usually miscontrued as the same, since it shows commonality in a way that both tell stories by gathering information from the ground. However, they are significantly different with each other base on the approach. Community journalism is done by professional or the said media practitioners as they are equipped to go down the community, and use their power to connect with people. They tend to devote themselves in reaching people to develop relevant stories that could be beneficial not just for a particular community but with the whole nation; helping people to voice out their calls regarding social problems or with any concerning matter. Meanwhile, citizen journalism is more of a freelancing, meaning anyone can do this thing. No certain requirements needed to participate, unlike with the community journalism, media has journalism ethics and principles that required to be abode. At times, citizen journalism faces credibility issues since stories can be produced by anyone even if it contains vital information. Nevertheless, both categories are ought to be tackling and laying out possible solutions to contribute with the society's well being. 

Local social issue that you think can be addressed through community journalism, explain why

In our neighborhood in Santa Maria, Bulacan, it is not much being a concern due to whatever reason they may have. But there is this certain computer shop that allows youngsters to stay late at night even on weekdays to play online games. I know that there is no something wrong with it, but I found it seems to be alarming since same children are in there everyday. Past 12am, on my way home from partime work, I always notice them, on serious gaming face in front of the vibrant monitor due to high brightness. It could be a concern since they are young, and this habit might produce adverse health effect. Hence, community journalism can be a help to find out the reasons, why? I know it is a common topic, but little dilemmas like these might tell a story. Why do they stay awake at this hour? Do their parents look for them? Are they addicted to it? Does it also concern the computer shop owner? Simple questions like these might lead to a more meaningful storytelling why this kind of issue or whatever it is occurs. Of course, not to the extent that the subjects will be exploited or harmed while developing the story. This is community journalism, from small groups to a bigger society.