One of the unique things about online journalism is that it allows people to generate content of their own related to news stories that might interest them.
At ESPN.com, there is a unique feature that allows college football fans to upload videos of themselves discussing things related to the sport. Fans can sound off about an upcoming game, a rival team they'd like to see clobbered, or simply come up with something interesting to say in support of their favorite team.
Here is a clip of such content, courtesy of ESPN:
Is this considered journalism? Experts and professional journalists might say no. It might be deemed too biased.
That brings up several key issues, such as what exactly is journalism? Is it what's most popular? Is it what generates most debate? Is it limited to a certain platform or type of information? Should only certain people generate content? While no one really knows the answer, one thing is certain: the power of the internet has blurred the lines.
One of the exciting things about our times is that, eventually, the masses will decide and lay out the guidelines for online journalism in the years to come.
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I think that you have really touched on something by showing how regular people are using the internet to express their thoughts. This is exactly how online journalism has been able to change the face of what people consider journalism and news. ESPN is definitely doing something great by using their website to allow people to get their thoughts out into cyberspace. Now this starts the question, can anyone become a 'journalist' just be starting something online? hmm...
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