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?

Do Journalists Affect Public Opinion?

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. There have probably been times where you have read a story about a company have developed an opinion of that company based on the information presented.

Do any of the following names sound familiar, Ida Tarbell, Bob Woodward, or Carl Bernstein? Even if these names do not sound familiar, you are probably familiar with their work. Ida Tarbell wrote The History of the Standard Oil. Not only did this exposé bring down the Standard Oil Company, it also helped bring about the U.S. antitrust actions against the company. Woodward and Bernstein were responsible for the exposing the Watergate Scandal.

As you can see by the work of these journalists, journalists can serve as a big influence on public opinion of a person and/or company. Tarbell, Woodward, and Bernstein presented issues. Readers decided how to feel about the issues.