How the blogosphere increased media criticism and accountability

Posted by Helena Deards on May 25, 2009 at 4:02 PM

Constructive criticism leads to development - but what about when the critic lacks professional knowledge or qualifications in the subject of their opinions? Not a problem, according to Christopher Harper, an associate professor at Temple University's department of journalism, writing about the role of the blogosphere in the criticism of journalists.

Harper writes that "They might be wrong in their analysis, but I think that any... journalistic practice is certainly open to criticism. It doesn't mean that criticism is necessarily valid, but I think it's great that they question the things that we do." He also writes that the traditional concepts of fair, balanced and objective reporting are outdated, that fact can be interspersed with opinion and that this is one of the great things about the blogosphere.

"This rapid expansion of media criticism has enabled a variety of important changes in the way mainstream media companies have come under scrutiny, although it is still unclear what long-term implications this trend will have," he argues in his research, for which he interviewed eight media critics, all of whom were academics, mainstream journalists or bloggers.

Glenn Greenwald, a Salon columnist who heavily criticised a Time writer for an (ultimately inaccurate) article criticising the wording of a House Democrats' act, agrees with Harper. He believes the blogosphere has enabled the scope of media criticism to develop and expand, and that coming from mainstream outlets is "a much narrower and limited kind of criticism" due its self-imposed rules.

Criticism is necessary in any industry for development, and the watchdog function it provides - and the media is no exception. Although media criticism from bloggers could go too far, the existence of the blogosphere has increased journalistic accountability. Journalists are essential 'watchdogs' in democracy, and the importance of their role merits criticism and careful attention from bloggers and traditional media alike.

Source: Media Shift