Technology has removed barriers to the spread of information, allowing anyone to share their thoughts and experiences with a wide audience. What impact does this have in store for the world of journalism and “gate keeping” with increased internet clicktivism?
Citizen journalism offers the advantage of empowering local communities and bringing together individuals to make a positive change while covering the majority of events happening in this world without being swayed by political views or agendas.
United States government alumnus Zeeshan Ahmad explores these questions and offers the benefits of community building with the Citizen Journalism Residency Program, “Sab Bolo” translating to, “everyone speak” in Urdu.
‘Sab Bolo’ is a “platform for independent volunteer citizen journalists to bring news through crowdsourcing”. They aim to run the Journalists Residency Program to build an alternative to mainstream news media in training to voice out an important issue and create an impact by being an active participant in news gathering and reporting. Through this mission, “citizens no longer just passively observe, but actively voice out analyzing the ‘who, what, where, how, and why’ of news brought to attention.
In collaboration with the Pakistan – US Alumni Network, Ahmad provided almost 30 young participants across from Pakistan to develop a collective network of citizen journalists. Young professionals and aspiring journalists between the ages of 19 and 25 attended the forum from February 4th, 2019 – February 9th, 2019 in Lahore.
The forum allowed exchange alumni to gain new skills offered by visiting trainers and speakers. Participants actively took part and engaged in daily discussions that covered various aspects of citizen journalism: ethics, new trends, digital media, under-reported issues, gender roles, and others.
Aspiring citizen journalists also acquired new skills, including news writing, reporting, editing, and creating web content through photojournalism for different media. The network of bright and competent individuals also offered an opportunity for the participants for networking and creating new synergies.
Deputy Public Affairs Officer US Consulate General Lahore Elizabeth Lee graced the occasion as chief guests. As the event concluded, participants were handed over the certificates of completion by the Information Technology University from Farzana Shahid, Director of Academics.
Check out video glimpses of the Citizen Journalism Residency Program here
