Citizen journalism has profoundly influenced the mass by expanding access to

information, enhancing accountability, and enriching public discourse. While it

democratizes the media landscape and offers valuable insights from diverse

communities, it also presents challenges related to credibility and safety. Ultimately,

citizen journalism fosters a more engaged and informed society, encouraging

individuals to participate actively in the shaping of their narratives and communities.

Citizen journalism has had a distinctive impact on traditional media in Sierra Leone,

especially in a context where the media landscape is still developing following the

country’s civil war and subsequent recovery.

Citizen journalism has emerged as a powerful force in the media landscape,

significantly impacting how information is disseminated and consumed. The influence

of citizen journalism on the mass referring to the general public and traditional media

can be observed through various dimensions.

Access to Diverse Perspectives, Citizen journalism allows individuals from varied

backgrounds to share their stories and viewpoints, thus democratizing the narrative

and providing a more comprehensive picture of events.

Citizen journalists often act as watchdogs, documenting and exposing issues such as

corruption, human rights abuses, and local governance failures that might be

overlooked by traditional media outlets. Real-Time Reporting social media and mobile

technology allow citizen journalists to report events as they unfold, providing

immediate updates that can hold authorities accountable.

Some of the findings includes:

Empowerment of the Marginalized Community; It gives a voice to communities and

individuals who are often ignored by mainstream media, particularly marginalized

groups, thereby fostering inclusivity.

o Shifting Media Landscape

Competition with Traditional Media; The rise of citizen journalism has led to

competition with traditional news outlets, pushing them to be more responsive and

attuned to public interest. News organizations often incorporate crowd-sourced

content or adapt their coverage based on what is trending in citizen reports.

Challenges in Credibility The democratization of news creation also raises concerns

about the reliability and accuracy of information, as not all citizen-generated content

adheres to journalistic standards.

 

o Impact on Public Discourse

Broadening Dialogue Citizen journalism can enrich public discourse by introducing

underrepresented voices, thereby fostering dialogue on critical social and political

issues.

Agenda-Setting; The topics highlighted by citizen journalists can influence the public

agenda, drawing attention to issues that may not receive coverage from traditional

media.

o Changing Consumption Habits

Shift to Digital Platforms; With citizen journalism predominantly happening on social

media and online platforms, audiences are moving away from traditional media

towards digital content, leading to changing consumption patterns.

Audience Engagement; Citizen journalism encourages active participation from the

audience, prompting them to engage in discussions, share their opinions, or report

news themselves.

o Formation of Community and Solidarity

Local Reporting and Community Building; Citizen journalists often focus on local

issues, helping to build community solidarity and fostering a sense of shared purpose

among residents.

Mobilization for Social Change; Through reporting and sharing local stories, citizen

journalism can mobilize communities around social justice movements, fundraising for

causes, or advocacy for policy changes.

o Educational Impact

Learning Opportunities; The rise of citizen journalism encourages individuals to learn

about journalism, media literacy, and critical thinking, fostering a more informed and

active citizenry.

Skill Development; It allows individuals to develop skills in photography, videography,

and writing, democratizing access to journalistic practices.

Challenges and Risks Misinformation and Disinformation; The prevalence of unverified

information can lead to the spread of rumours and misinformation, potentially causing

public unrest or misinterpretations of critical issues.

Safety and Legal Risks; Citizen journalists often face threats to their safety,

harassment, or legal repercussions, especially in contexts where press freedom is

restricted or where they are challenging powerful entities.

o Increased Competition

Alternative Voices; Citizen journalism provides alternative narratives to those

presented by traditional media outlets. This competition encourages traditional media

to diversify their content and be more responsive to public interests.

Real-Time Reporting; Citizen journalists often report news as it happens, challenging

traditional media’s ability to deliver timely coverage. This has led traditional outlets to

adapt their operational models to include faster reporting and real-time social media

engagement.

o Pressure for Improved Coverage

Quality of Reporting; The rise of citizen journalism has put pressure on traditional

media to improve the quality of their reporting. They may need to enhance their

investigative journalism, accuracy, and responsiveness to stay relevant in a rapidly

changing media environment.

Local Issues Focus; Traditional media in Sierra Leone may increasingly focus on local

issues and community-oriented stories, which are often highlighted by citizen

journalists.

o Integration of Citizen Content

Collaboration with some traditional media outlets is now collaborating with citizen

journalists, incorporating user-generated content into their reports. This can help

traditional media outlets access fresh and diverse content, enriching their news

coverage.

Social Media Partnerships; Many traditional media organizations engage with citizen

journalists via social media platforms to source stories, gather eyewitness accounts,

and enhance their reporting.

o Shift in Audience Engagement

Audience Participation; Citizen journalism encourages increased audience

engagement, leading traditional media to adopt more interactive approaches. They

might utilize social media to solicit public input, feedback, and stories.

Changing Consumption Habits; As audiences increasingly turn to social media for

news, traditional media must adapt to changing consumption habits by establishing a

strong online presence and using digital platforms for dissemination.

o Challenges to Credibility

Misinformation Concerns; The proliferation of unverified information from citizen

journalists poses challenges related to credibility for both citizen and traditional media.

Traditional media must work harder to establish trust and authenticate information in

the face of rampant misinformation.

Confusion; Mixed messages from citizen journalists and traditional media can lead to

confusion among the public, making it essential for traditional outlets to maintain

rigorous fact-checking and editorial standards.

o Enhancing Media Literacy

Public Awareness; The rise of citizen journalism underscores the importance of media

literacy among the public. Traditional media can play a role in educating audiences

about how to differentiate between credible news sources and unverified information.

Collaboration on Workshops; Some traditional outlets may partner with NGOs or

community organizations to conduct workshops on media literacy, emphasizing the

importance of responsible journalism and critical consumption of news.

o Fostering Local Content Creation

Focus on Local Issues Citizen journalism often highlights local stories that may be

overlooked by traditional media. This encouragement of grassroots reporting can lead

traditional media to recognize the value of local content and invest more in covering

community-based issues.

Empowering Local Voices; The emphasis on citizen journalism empowers local

communities to contribute their narratives, helping traditional media to better

understand and reflect the needs and desires of the populations they serve.

o Legal and Ethical Considerations

Navigating Risks and Challenges; Traditional media may face challenges regarding

legal and ethical standards when integrating citizen-generated content. Balancing

engagement with citizen journalists while upholding journalistic ethics is crucial.

Protection of Sources; Issues surrounding the safety and protection of citizen

journalists can also impact traditional media’s approach to reporting, especially in

situations where citizen journalists face risks for exposing sensitive issues.

In summary, citizen journalism has significantly influenced the traditional media

landscape in Sierra Leone. It has introduced competition, encouraged new forms of

audience engagement, and prompted traditional media to adapt to the evolving

demands of the public. However, it also poses challenges related to credibility,

misinformation, and ethical considerations. Moving forward, a collaborative approach

between citizen journalists and traditional media could enhance the overall quality of

journalism and promote a more informed public discourse.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 8th December 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)