By Zwelakhe Shangase
Online Media is the fastest growing medium across the globe and it’s uniqueness is attributed to it’s easy access, anywhere and at anytime and it’s tremendous propinquity. As a result, an increasing number of South Africans are associating with the phenomenon at an astonishing pace. The challenge in the Journalism world today is to determine its accurate position within the fraternity- resonating the core principles and ethics of Journalism set against the backdrop of conventional methods.
A recent study done in the UK highlighted the fact that over 80% of Journalists utilise social networks to assist in news gathering and reporting. The study also revealed that there is a dire need to reassess journalism ethics in a digital age. The meaning of private and public is increasingly becoming blurred online. Journalists have a responsibility to behave ethically but the challenge is agreeing how this applies to personal data published online but not intended for the mass media.
Dr Mikhail Peppas, senior lecturer at the Durban University of Technology’s Department of Media, Language and Communication stated that Facebook, Twitter and other social sites are becoming sources for journalists. “A journalist today who avoids the interactive benefits of social networking, particularly via the mobile net, is likely to be forgotten within a year.” Peppas added that social media is enhancing journalism, citing the tools’ benefits for helping journalists work faster. “There is no question that journalists are embracing this channel as a platform of choice for social media journalists.”
Journalists work under deadline driven situations, coupled with having less aid to execute their tasks, Mhlengi Shangase, senior reporter of Isolezwe Newspaper concedes that Journalists are geared towards using social media tools to find sources quickly. “Social networking is helping journalists do their jobs more effectively and resourcefully, just as it helps citizen journalists and the general public to find information faster than they could in traditional media.” He stated that newsrooms are characterised by skepticism, thus social networks become remarkable data points.
Twitters, Facebook, MySpace, et al are the 21st century versions of the little black book- everybody’s information in the public domain; one just needs to master the skill of efficiently using the service. Boniswa Mohale, a business reporter of Isolezwe Newspaper shares the same sentiments. “Social networks are a goldmine for sources and it is much easier to track down a source.” Mohale added there are credibility concerns pertaining to information generated from social networks and that ethically and logistically social network reporting has its own drawbacks.
“Social networks are accessed by millions of people across the globe and it is such an ingenious way to spread news and information,” said Kojo Adom, a Junior Public Relations Executive. Adom stated that news and information are readily available and they are fast and instantaneous. “The news and information published on these tools will have a far more reaching effect if pushed through social networks than any other medium especially when looking at bridging the digital divide.” Adom adds that since the advent of social networks they have paved the path for increased results in his career.
Social networking tools provide the platform where journalists are able to execute their daily tasks in a more digital fashion. So what does this mean for the average journalist in the newsroom- If you’re a journalist, and you’re not using social networks, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. You’re probably working harder than you need to after all it is all in your fingertips.