Dimapur, July 15 (MExN): A daylong workshop on ‘citizen journalism and new media’ today threw up challenges that ordinary citizens can play in society. Organised by the Foundation for People Empowerment in association with The Morung Express and with support from Mahiti, Bangalore and Panos South Asia, Guwahati the workshop was attended by a group of select audience including students, journalists, social workers, consultants, church workers and army personnel. The combination of participants showed just how effective journalism can become with the involvement of citizens from all walks of life.
The objective of the workshop was to equip citizens with the right approach with use of new media in reporting and disseminating information. During the first half, the workshop dwelt on purpose, importance and ethics of citizen journalism. The second half was a practical session; displaying the use of modern-day gadgets for the purpose of information. Citizen journalism is an effective tool to mobilize people; witness and record; use collective intelligence to report on issues and people from anywhere across the globe.
For Robert Kikon, an enthusiast participant the Citizen Journalism workshop has taught him the value of participating in the building of our society. “Tools such as collecting information and making blog page, with the latest technologies will make awareness amongst the Citizens to not just be a consumer but an effective contributor. By being subjective without hurting peoples’ sentiments, we as the citizens can be a huge contributing factor to effective Journalism,” said Kikon.
“All said I believe it is just the beginning and having such workshops and talks can make the public opinion count much in issues wherever it is needed. Let’s not just be a couch potato but get out of it, and dare to take risks whatever we do with our lives echoes throughout eternity,” Kikon added.
