Citizen Journalism

Last year, I came across something called TED/TEDx (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conferences which are a global set of talks formed in order to disseminate "ideas worth spreading." Topics include but are not limited to science, arts, politics, global issues, architecture and music. It began in 1984 in California and is owned by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation.

There is one particular talk that I found today that was taken in May of last year by Paul Lewis which covers citizen journalism. I'm sharing this particular talk since it's relevant to the Syrian revolution, as many Syrians are having to become citizen journalists in order to highlight abuses by the Syrian regime and raise awareness of what's really happening in Syria.

I'd encourage readers to watch in order to realise the importance of citizen journalism in the world. The talk uses examples in the UK of how the official version/narrative of events is never the same as to what really happens as well as highlighting the importance and power of citizen journalism to bring transparency, accountability and verifiability. All nations have the capability to commit and hide abuses as well as portray themselves in a good light but its imperative that, as citizens across the world, we highlight such abuses, make people aware worldwide that this is happening and is unacceptable so that accountability can follow.

People often feel that they are far from powerful but from the examples given, one video taken by a bystander can hold people in power accountable for their abuses and make sure that such acts are not overlooked and brushed away. Such journalism is needed all over the world, not just across the Middle East, but certainly worldwide.