Independent journalist Sam Oser points out that corporate media has allowed media deserts throughout America. In that light, we need trained citizen journalists.
Independent Journalist Sam Oser explains.
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In a time when corporate journalism often neglects the needs of local communities, independent journalist Sam Oser is spearheading an initiative to empower citizens to report on their own neighborhoods. Her project launched through a series of workshops in collaboration with the Climate Justice Museum, aims to teach individuals the fundamentals of journalism, enabling them to tell their stories accurately and effectively.
- Motivation: Oser’s project addresses the growing problem of news deserts and journalism layoffs, focusing on empowering local residents to fill the information void.
- Corporate Journalism Issues: Traditional news outlets prioritize profit over people, often neglecting important local issues and misrepresenting community needs.
- Workshop Details: The workshops provide training on community journalism basics, emphasizing the use of free digital tools to make journalism accessible to everyone.
- Overcoming Barriers: Oser debunks the myth that formal education is necessary for journalism, encouraging participants to focus on accuracy and storytelling.
- Broader Impact: The initiative aims to foster a sense of agency within communities, ensuring that local voices are heard and systemic issues are reported accurately.
Sam Oser’s initiative is a crucial step towards more inclusive and representative news coverage. By teaching citizens to report on their own communities, she is addressing the shortcomings of corporate journalism and empowering individuals to reclaim their narratives. This grassroots approach not only fills the information void but also strengthens community ties and promotes social justice.
