Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism

The Emerging of Global Journalism and Social Media

Abstract

Jallow AY

Freedom of information is one of the fundamental human rights, the right of every citizen to express his or her opinion through the written and the spoken word. It is clear today that the technology of communication has revolutionized the spread of information, making it instantaneous and allowing it to reach an ever-widening public. Thus a new power is born, the power of global journalism and social media. What is the nature of this new power? How does it fit into the basic structures and processes of democracy? Should we not recognize the new power as an integral part of our democratic institution? Thus public opinion could more effectively help to shape government and corporate sector policies. Global journalism and a vibrant, free, and independent media play an indispensable role in the healthy functioning of democracy and is a staple of any open society. We rely on the curiosity and skepticism of global journalism to uncover the truth, underwrite the public trust, and hold all accountable. Global journalism becomes an extension of real world communication strategies by allowing enhanced transparency and accountability between stakeholders. This paper seeks to describe the role of global journalism and social media in applying both good political and corporate governance practices as well as identify some problems arising due to global journalism. As societies, we draw our strength from confronting the truth of our own imperfections- and this is the potential benefit when we rely on global journalism to hold us to the highest standards, even when, or especially when, we fall short. There is no freedom without freedom of expression, and global journalism and social media should strive for the highest ideals of journalism: to denounce all forms of injustice.