Response to Questions of "State of Singapore Journalism"

Question1:

Yes. Civic journalism should be practiced more in the United State. One important fact that this article argues is that civic journalism would increase the readers’ interest in reading newspapers and participating in journalism. The shrinking of audience in reading newspapers is not just happening in Singapore, or the U.S., it is a worldwide phenomenon. In the article, the author gives us an example about how the community newspaper in the U.S. to deal with that problem. It resulted in “growing consciousness of public or civic journalism…the press is restyled to re-engage the public.” On the other hand, the public is always eager for the access to politics, events at home and abroad, and all kinds of honest information. With the development of electronic equipment—the Internet, cell phone, digital camera, etc.—it is easier to engage in civic journalism. It provides the possibility for the public practicing civic journalism. Moreover, civic journalism is the reflection and real experiment of a public sphere and freedom of speech. I think civic journalism will be the trend of media communication.

Question 2:

In the article, the author use the quote of Jay Rosen to present what the journalists stand for: “they uphold the public’s right to know, a spirit of openness and honesty in the conduct of public business, the free flow of information and ideas, along with truthfulness, accuracy, balance and fair play in the news.” I agree with this. The duty for journalists is to provide information, or more precisely, news. Journalists are the recorders of history. And the true and fist spirit of journalism is truthfulness and accuracy, justice and fair. Also, I agree with the author that “the press should try to help reconnect politics and government and make sure that public’s right to hear its concerns is discussed.” Therefore, journalists should not just report. They have some more important functions in the society. It should be responsible to the public, as the connection between the public and the government.

I think journalists stand for the people here in the U.S. One great and fundamental aspect of journalism in the U.S. is that the public can hear all kinds of news and opinion, both good and bad. The press are privet, not state own, so they would not obviously stand for certain kind of political power. The journalists have more freedom on reporting and criticizing. All kinds of voices can be heard, therefore, a public sphere is created and the journalists are more prone to the public and justice.

Journalists should cover all kinds of news that the people concern and that would affect people’s lives. Reporting big issues like economics and political policies can help people to make decisions and adjust to them. Small local news would also be importance to certain groups of people.

Question 3:

Absolutely! Journalists should “connect with readers… and blog…and create community projects.” Making full use of the technology would help the evolvement of the media communications. I don’t think we should keep on thinking how to maintain the traditional mediums. We should step forward and create new style of communication. It is a good idea to connect with readers, blog and community projects. Each individual belongs to the society, and each individual can be the contributor to the community and society.

By far, I have not participated in community journalism (unless if school newspaper counts.) in the future, I would definitely participate in any form of community journalism, because one of my goal in life is to help the development of my community and the society. Civic journalism will be a good choice.