Bongani Mtshwene
@B0ngzz
Journalism and new media have become very important allies of late and it is imperative to use social media as part of a new-age journalist’s day job. Personally I use Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr as platforms to express my views, both professionally and personally. Twitter is used to broadcast my views and analysis of news content to my followers in order to bring me closer to the masses. Facebook is used for lengthy analyses and news stories that can be put up which also works in tandem with my tumblr page where my blogs/news stories are put up.
The potential benefits using social media to collaborate audiences on investigative journalism projects are more recognition on a social platforms level e.g Barry Bateman – his Oscar trial tweets helped him gain followers on Twitter. Data collection is also a big factor as it draws an audience and keeps them clued up on current affairs. Your audience may even contribute to your story by means of opinions, analysis and even supporting evidence/eyewitness documents if needed.
Should a journalist tweet incorrect or false statements that are not verified there could be legal implications as this may lead up to a case of defamation or libel against the journalist. The journalist also stands a chance of losing his audience, his credibility and his career.
Journalists should act professional in the face of criticism; everybody is entitled to an opinion. They should only engage when they feel obligated to. Journalists should build on constructive criticism instead of brawling with trolls online. This will build confidence in the journalists work, this producing credibility.
