Cell phones as Change Agents and the dawn of "Citizen Journalism"
March 13, 2006
Great short article from Fortune magazine that reviews topics that will be discussed at their Brainstorm 2006 conference. One topic that came up in a pre-dinner was how cell phones play a unique roll in terms of connectivity on 9-11, and in subsequent events such as the London bombings. Taken to another level, it speaks to the use of such devices as major disrupters to traditional media outlets.
Consider the following section from the article:
Here's what this crew thinks is new: Power is flowing toward the individual thanks to technology. And these empowered individuals are changing just about every aspect of society with information acquired online. Jonathan Schwartz, Sun's president, spoke of the "fundamental disruptions that are occurring because we are all connected to one another. The terrorist attacks in London were not covered by the media," he noted, "but by the people in the tube. The people became the media." Many used their camera-equipped cell phones to shoot and distribute images of the damage. Schwartz went on to note that "there's a radical shift underway in who is responsible for creating knowledge and information".
It is hard to disagree with Schwartz’ analysis especially when it is coupled with a book such as We The Media by James Gilmore, formerly of the San Jose Mercury News.
We The Media opened my eyes to the value of trying something such as a web log - now called www.governmentchangeagents.com. If Gilmore is correct, the rise of what he calls "citizen journalism" will transform the way we all consume content that is associated with any major or even minor event. Gilmore’s blog is worthy of a look. His bias is very evident, but the content and discussion deserve consideration.
Gilmore’s book was recommended to me by Dr. Linn Wells of the Department of Defense, one of the change agents who participated in the study. Change Agents are savvy at many things, including communications. New forums such as web logs and Pod casts will increasingly be tools embraced by government change agents. There are restrictions as federal employees in terms of direct communications, but it is only a matter of time before those rules are rewritten to allow direct conversations from people deep within bureaucracies to their peers and the country. If people have sample web logs that they have seen please send links on and we will post them.
Thoughts or reactions? Please send them to us.