Am I Tweet-worthy? Social Media and Journalism

Whenever I read an interesting article or seen an attention-grabbing newscast, I share it through my Twitter and my Facebook accounts. Recently, it dawned on me, "Will any of my news stories be tweet-worthy or worthy of sharing on Facebook?"

Nowadays, social media has become a powerful force. It is no surprise that journalism has connected with social media. In an earlier post, I said, "Journalists present an issue, but they do not tell others how to feel about the issue. Journalists serve as an intervening public by carrying a message to the public." So if journalism is the intervening channel that shares the message, then social media provides the means to let audience members express opinions.

Social media has also become an intervening public in some ways. Some of the articles I've read recently were posted by others. I found the byline interesting and clicked.

Social media and journalism are converging. Engaging in more social media has kept me connected, connected to tips and tricks of the trade, connected with other journalists, and connected stories that spark my interest.

Now, going back to my question from the beginning. "Will any of my news stories be tweet-worthy or worthy of sharing on Facebook?" Only time will tell. However, if 21 people "like" my story through their Facebook account, I know that at least 21 people read and enjoyed my story. So maybe social media can also assure me that someone found me tweet-worthy?

You May Be A Journalist If...

Every career has certain characteristics that those in the field must have or usually have. In this case, you may be a journalist if...

• you're curious
• you're sociable
• you're resourceful
• you hate secrecy, but you can keep secrets
• you like gossip, but you also check the sources to make sure that the information is true
• you don't mind hard work
• you don't mind controversy
• you don't mind working late nights

If these characteristics fit you, then you just might be a journalist.

Are Journalists Still Gatekeepers?

In the past, the news was a one-way communication between the journalists and the audience. Recently there has been a push for journalists to engage in a dialogue with the audience. Audience members no longer just watch or read news stories. Now, audience members actively seek out information that is relevant to them. Most audience members feel they should be able to get news on their own terms, however, whenever, and wherever. Now, the audience can participate in the news. Audience members are encouraged to leave comments about news stories or to submit pictures related to the story.

Some people think that journalists should lose control and engage in this dialogue. Some do not want to give up control. What do you think? Should journalists engage in dialogue with the audience or should journalists retain control over the media?