Journalism in the wake of participatory publishing

Authors: Nguyen, A.

Journal: Australian Journalism Review

Volume: 28

Pages: 143-156

ISSN: 0810-2686

Abstract:

Enabled by the increasing popularity of web-based easy-publishing technologies, the vibrant rise of participatory publishing (public participation in news production and dissemination) in the past few years has such a significant journalistic implication that many critics have even declared it to be the future of journalism. However, and rather surprisingly, this issue has not stirred up much debate among Australian journalism educators. As a preliminary attempt to address this, this paper explores the current development of participatory publishing (PP) and its potential relationship with professional journalism. Starting from a review of the explosion and potential power of online participation in and outside Australia, the paper then places traditional journalism in the centre of the fledgling online public sphere – not only as one of its most important social drivers and objects of criticisms but also as its powerful protector and one of its greatest beneficiaries. The point to be made is that participatory publishing provides a golden opportunity for traditional journalism to rethink and react in the way it is meant to be. In order to survive well with the ideal of public service, journalism must change from a lecture to a conversation, listening and talking to the public rather than remaining a closed stubborn profession that has long been a potential detriment to a healthy public sphere.

Source: Manual

Preferred by: An Nguyen