Citizen Journalism: A Catalyst for Awareness-Raising among Residents

  

Citizen journalism is proving to be a powerful tool in combating different menaces in our society. Citizen journalism, which involves the practice of ordinary individuals reporting news and events, is gaining momentum with the advent of smartphones and social media platforms. This democratization of information dissemination has paved the way for ordinary citizens (including those without formal training in journalism or its related courses) to disseminate real-time news and reports that escape the radar of traditional media or that may be overlooked. 

During a prolonged rainfall in Lagos earlier in the week, a citizen journalist, with his phone, captured some residents trying to discharge refuse into a drainage. The citizen journalist captured the people involved in front of their house and escalated the issue on social media. A few hours after the incident, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources took action. The house located at No. 2, Akewukewe Street, beside Ikate Local Government Area in Ijesha, Surulere, where the incident took place was identified and consequently sealed.

One of the primary ways citizen journalism can help end menaces such as the dumping of refuse into waterways is by raising awareness. Most times, the perpetrators of such acts are ignorant of the severe environmental and public health consequences of dumping refuse into the waterways. But when we have responsible citizen journalists around, they can complement the efforts of the traditional news media in reporting and escalating issues that are of public interest to those concerned for necessary action.

As a citizen journalist, you can capture and share images and videos drawing public attention to a specific problem using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These platforms serve as powerful channels to spur public outrage and condemnation, thereby prompting local authorities to take swift action.

Also, citizen journalists can highlight other social or environmental problems facing their community. These local efforts by "street journalists" can create a sense of shared responsibility and inspire residents and local authorities to take action to combat an identified problem within the community. A few weeks ago in Osun State, the Osun State Police Command apprehended two suspected members of a four-man mini kidnapping ring for unleashing mayhem and terrorizing some residents in Osogbo. According to reports from the Police Command, the arrest of the suspects was carried out upon reports and complaints from members of the public through various media, such as petitions, social media platforms, and Instagram, of a brewing crime of kidnapping and forceful extortion of individuals by hoodlums who are to be referred to as'mini kidnappers’.

It is obvious that citizen journalists have a role to play in ensuring that underreported stories are given coverage in our society.

Oyetunde Oni is a news editor and a multimedia Journalist. He is passionate about community development stories and media advocacy.