Reportage Medialog

Just stumbled on this article from the Observer (via Seansblog) which argues that blogging is not another sign of the degenerating public sphere, in fact it will strengthen journalism and make it more accountable. Interestingly, like the article on citizen media from the NYT that I just blogged about, this article is also from the business section. People are finally realising that blogging is not just a pajama game it is emerging as part of a new suite of practices that will be integral to the future of the business of journalism.

What’s happening is a small but significant change in our media ecology. All journalists worth their salt have always known that out there are readers, listeners or viewers who know more about a story than they do. But until recently, there was no effective way for this erudition or scepticism to find public expression. Letters to the editor rarely attract public attention - or impinge on the consciousness of journalists.

Blogging changes all that. Ignorant, biased or lazy journalism is instantly exposed, dissected and flayed in a medium that has global reach. (If you doubt that, ask Dan Rather and CBS.)

Conversely, good reporting and intelligent commentary is passed from blog to blog and spreads like wildfire beyond the jurisdiction in which it was originally published. This can only be good for journalism in the long run, if only because, as my mother used to say, sunlight is the best disinfectant.

Technorati Tags: blogging and journalism