Changing Technologies and the Changing Role of Citizens

Abstract

New technologies are having profound impacts on the way journalism is practised across the world. Technological changes have also challenged traditional forms of journalism, redefining the relationship between professional journalists and citizens. In the digital era, Singer (2006) argues that the free, participatory and democratic appeal of online media has encouraged all types of news, resulting in different kinds of news reporters and different genres of news. One implication of this technological transformation is that ‘Journalists’ hegemony as gatekeepers is threatened by an audience able to actively participate in creating and disseminating news’ (Singer, 2006, p. 268). Before the emergence of new technologies, news was assembled and distributed by professional journalists. Now, that is no longer the case. The outlets for news gathering, production and reporting have broadened to include citizens with computer access, digital cameras, mobile phones and other electronic devices. Access to new technologies has empowered citizens to produce and distribute news. Africa is also experiencing these changes in journalistic practices.