Citizen Journalism is a quintessential part of the current media environment. Its ability to share information and stories not covered by the mainstream information -or disinformation- channels forces society to be aware of issues that would have been otherwise ignored. It effectively contrasts attempts of censorship or lobbying by powerful entities, and often sparks debate among the public. The internet, as well as readily available technology such as camera phones, also gives the ability to document and prove the truth. Citizen journalism becomes particularly relevant in societies where the media environment is unbalanced, grotesquely biased and more focused on activities such as propaganda instead of information.
Italy is a good example. A country ruled by Silvio Berlusconi, the man who controls private TV, State TV and the press. Among other things, he is the richest man in the country, owns a football team, is constantly subject of court cases, and is rumoured to have close ties to the mafia. Oh, and he is our Prime Minister as well. Italy is a country that, if lacking citizen journalism, would be Zimbabwe-like as far as free speech is concerned. Luckily, a few brave journalists censored by the media can express themselves through the internet and feed us daily stories of corruption, injustice and illegality that would be considered delirious if not backed up by evidence. This contributes in keeping a fair balance on the reality that we are forced to believe.
