Media is a powerful tool. In a democratic state, it should serve as a platform for the voice of the people, in addition to being a watchdog for the Government. Unfortunately, the mainstream media as we know it, will naturally be influenced by politics, therefore making unbiased media reporting a difficult task indeed. However, we as consumer citizens hold the key to shaping the media agenda, and it is just platform that we need in order to funnel our views of the world.
It is precisely because of the above reasons that I get excited about any citizen journalistic concept that provides a possible opportunity for a grassroots level participation. The online launch of Forgotten Journalist as a Citizen Journalism news platform promises to do just that. The concept is based on citizen journalism, where anyone can become the journalist, irrespective of age, colour, ethnicity, gender etc. The power is taken from the few and given in the hands of the many. This seems like quite the utopian idea and unbelievable to achieve and I will admit, it probably is. But, what’s so exciting about it is that it has the potential within it to unleash the power of the people and I for one, am almost always excited at that remote chance.
www.forgottenjournalist.com promotes citizen journalism for Muslims, however, the concept founders have stressed that anyone is welcome to come and join – the aim being to attempt to bridge the gap between east and west. Come October, 20th, 2007, www.forgottenjournalist.com will launch and opens the doors for all to be a citizen journalist and report on politics, social issues, science, technology, culture, faith, the arts and more. The holding page is up at www.forgottenjournalist.com, inviting everyone to register and start submitting now in order to make the first edition on October 20th, 2007. There is also a photojournalism section, which I think will provide a chance to budding Muslim photographers to showcase some of their works. Writers, artists, photographers, or simply an activist, this site promises to be the new hub of activity and I think is worth exploring.
To be a citizen journalist, that is, to take the power away from a few and place it in the hands of the many is a promising and liberating thought. The idea that I may be able to express myself without the pressures to succumb to industry formulas and standards, but true, honest journalism, makes a journalist in the making truly believe that the pen is mightier than the sword, and that all hope is not yet lost. The thought that I can get the chance to participate in Citizen Journalism, and be a part of an alternative Muslim media platform gives me a sense of power. It will help us to remove the negative stigma attached to us as a people, and could help in creating a free and open dialogue between east and west. We may not be able to make waves, but surely, we can cause a ripple in the vast ocean of Media monopoly and cause at least some discussion?
As I said, Forgotten Journalist seems like a promising idea, let's all keep an eye out and see how Forgotten Journalist will deliver and live up to its promise to providing Muslims a voice. But, I believe they are incomplete without our support and submissions. I urge everyone to check out the website at www.forgottenjournalist.com register and start submitting articles. Let’s see the power, we as citizens hold within us in changing the world of tomorrow.
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"Consumer citizen?" How dare you call me a rude name!
A challenge to superficial comment journalism might be good for the cultural miliieu, hence I recommend Fifth Esate:
"Fifth-Estate-Online is an international, interactive on-line journal of radical media thinking and critical practice. It is a forum for all those who are deeply concerned about the historical and current role and power of the mass media in society."
http://www.fifth-estate-online.co.uk/index1.html
I find it quite offensive when people shun other ideas down because those ideas might become their competitors. No one said Fifth Estate and Forgotten Journalist cannot exist simultaneoulsy. This is the Problem with the Muslim Ummah, instead of supporting any positive initiatives, we try to keep pushing our own agendas and personal interests down people's throats. Both Fifth Estate and Forgotten Journalist are a necessity in the Muslim world, yet you come and shun FJ. Why not put those negative energies to better use.
Being a consumer citizen isn't a rude name, that is your perception and your assumption. We are all consumers whether we like it or not, even if by the very virtue of necessity, but being a citizen consumer, we become active, rational and free thinking individuals, as opposed to passive inactive sponges that soak in the goods of a crazy consumer society.