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)
