Bloggers versus Journalists ?
Journalists complain that bloggers can take away beats from them or can even beat them to a beat – and sometimes, with bad consequences. In most US publications, a number of journalists admitted that some of their widely read articles are inspired by a blog post. Such consequences can include raising panic over something that might be relatively low risk, or write on a topic without rechecking sources.
On the other hand, bloggers complain that journalists can sometimes put dramatic spins on topics, when all that people want is an unbiased view and opinion of events as they occur. Some bloggers also felt disrespected because they aren’t treated as a real member of the media well in fact a website or a blog is considered a new media which is sometimes a lot more powerful than a traditional newspaper because of its free access and wider reach.
Should bloggers and journalists face off?
How Blogging Has Helped the Mass Media
Thanks to the effort of bloggers all over the world, the mass media can be immediately alerted to a beat, or to a story that they might have missed in the wake of other more prominent stories already in the news. Thanks to journalists, bloggers have things that they can blog about, so that non-news bloggers can still deliver their opinions based on factual reporting.
Instead of insulting each other, bloggers and journalists should help each other out. For instance, bloggers can be hired by news companies in order to report on potential news in their geographical areas. Journalists can help bloggers write better or do research better by holding workshops. Bloggers can help journalists work by tracking down sources or even writing for major companies.
Writing Consequences
The emergence of blogging has brought a range of legal liabilities and other often unexpected and unforseen consequences. Just like a journalist one area of concern is the issue of bloggers releasing proprietary or confidential information just to create a buzz or scoop which can make them more popular and can increase their blog readership. Bloggers can also experience political dangers like in Singapore there were to two ethnic Chinese who were imprisoned under the country’s anti-sedition law for posting anti-Muslim remarks in their weblogs.
The Many Roads to Peace
There are many ways that bloggers and journalists can work together. If they use the riches and benefits of either side of the news writing divide, then perhaps we can have more balanced news reporting in the future. In my case, Im a photojournalist and a blogger myself and I really cant see any conflict between a journalist and a blogger.
In my own opinion, Bloggers in compare to journalist has more freedom when it comes to topics and what to write about because of bloggers editorial freedom.  Lets just keep in mind that by having freedom doesn’t really mean we have to stop being a responsible informational medium, lets continue to become a catalyst and we should always let the truth prevail.
Moreover, we can have more news to read about and learn from, thanks to wider reportage based on fact.
11:36 am on February 21st, 2008
I think bloggers and journalist shouldn’t face off rather they should be united. The power of writing has reached thousands of levels in our lives. Many people read to seek answers to their questions, find a friend, upgrade their knowledge, know what’s going on and a lot more. This is a media of reaching people, so why should face off?
12:47 pm on February 21st, 2008
@ Honda Parts Chic - I agree bloggers and journalists shouldt face off… Lets be united!
6:22 pm on February 21st, 2008
[...] (more…) [...]
11:18 pm on February 21st, 2008
[...] Is there Really a Need for the Blogger and the Journalist to Face Off [...]
11:19 pm on February 21st, 2008
[...] Is there Really a Need for the Blogger and the Journalist to Face Off [...]
11:19 pm on February 21st, 2008
[...] Is there Really a Need for the Blogger and the Journalist to Face Off [...]
11:45 pm on February 21st, 2008
It’d be histarical if a journalist took this post and wrote an article based on it. Keep up the good work =)
-David
Read music reviews and more
3:06 am on February 22nd, 2008
I don’t think journalists will ever respect bloggers, and I don’t think most bloggers will ever reach that certain level of professionalism. Tell me if I’m on the wrong track here.
5:28 pm on February 24th, 2008
I don’t think most computer/internet users are familiar with the power of blogs yet - the phenomenon is still young. When most TV watchers and paper readers realize that enormous amounts of very interesting information can be obtained from blogs, blogs will gradually start to become more influential.
Natalia Vasylyk DDS Dublin CA
9:31 pm on February 24th, 2008
[...] since Blogging surfaced, it has been branded as a threat to tradidional media. But is there a need for the two teams to face off? Manila freelancers shares his thoughts on his article [...]
9:41 pm on February 24th, 2008
[...] since Blogging surfaced, it has been branded as a threat to tradidional media. But is there a need for the two teams to face off? Manila freelancers shares his thoughts on his article [...]
9:41 pm on February 24th, 2008
[...] since Blogging surfaced, it has been branded as a threat to tradidional media. But is there a need for the two teams to face off? Manila freelancers shares his thoughts on his article [...]
1:23 am on February 27th, 2008
As someone who has been both (so to speak), I understand how there can be issues when it comes to the fine line of journalism and blogging. It is almost inevitable that the two “professions” will clash. One has almost editors, while the other has only himself to be editor. One path requires constant source checking while the other well…. anyway…
Also, one is faster than the other. So it may seem like the two are destined to clash in the center. Can they be reconciled? Well… unless there is an official bloggers code of ethics in the same way there is a journalists code of ethics, I honestly think it may be a while before that happens. Nevertheless, both professions, and even those who are both, must muddle through the best they can for the time being.
8:44 am on March 12th, 2008
The clash occurs, in my opinion, when the blogger isn’t as detailed in his sourcing as a journalist, yet the blogger gets all of the credit for the story, even if it is wrong.
Journalists have to adhere to a higher standard, thanks to editors, but bloggers only must answer to their readers who are always hungering for more, more, more.