The age of citizen journalism: Driven by conscience, fueled by technology

At the turn of the century live television was in full swing. The formulaic broadcast involved the following: an authoritative, dignified anchor delivering the daily news; field reporters giving the lowdown on every report, and you, the audience, glued to the TV screen.

This is how journalism was, as we knew it while growing up. We got the news from authorities, from trained field reporters, from recognized thought leaders, with networks funneling information down to the masses. News was a commodity consumed on a regular basis, but back then, there was a schedule to be followed.

But in less than a decade, digital revolution has turned the existing model upside down. It’s long been said that information is power, and the power has shifted from the heralds of yore to the empowered lot armed with their mobile phones and internet connectivity. Every story they share is breaking news. The old school calls it guerilla reporting, the digital-savvy call it citizen journalism.

Rappler recognizes the power of the emerging generation of consumers, and offers them a platform by which they can share news that matters to them and their immediate communities. And with Smart Communications, Inc. supporting voter’s empowerment through the #votesmart advocacy, immediate and urgent news from the ground – such as the Rappler Senatorial Debate – can be delivered through mobile.

In an interview with Rappler, Mon Isberto, Smart’s Public Affairs Head, acknowledged that the Internet penetration rate in the Philippines is still at 35-40 percent.

“[That] means we have still 60 percent who are not in the game, so to speak,” Isberto said. “But the good news is that the situation will get better and better over time. And in fact, I think it will be sooner rather than later.”

More people are getting internet access as telcos continuously work on improving the quality of their services. According to Isberto, Smart will have 3G networks in even the remotest of locations, powering 90 percent of the country with 3G data connectivity.

The emerging power of the digital consumer lies in the accessibility of faster data and more affordable smartphones. LTE connectivity has taken centerstage, breaking speed barriers once limited to enterprise-grade broadband.

For Isberto, there is still a digital divide, but the good news is, things will get better over time, networks will improve. With LTE enabling faster streaming of data, the consumer is more informed, discerning, and empowered. “The economics are working in your favor,” he quipped.