Modernization of Modern Journalism Practice

When I first, heard of modernization concepts, I took it with some optimism. I reckoned it will be good for the world particularly for the field of journalism. Now we are being stared at in the face by post modernization problems that are now even evident in journalism practice. And as we have learned from those who have critiqued modernity in all ramifications: modernity is a consequence of technological surge in the world.

Today, we are now looking at reflexive modernization also known as the modernization of modern society. “When modernization reaches a certain stage it radicalizes itself. It begins to transform, for a second time, not only the key institutions but also the very principles of social structures in modern society” (Beck et al, 2003). The aftermath is reflexive modernization, which as Beck and Co opine: “where unintended and unforeseen side-effects of modern life…”

One of the aspects of modern society which modernization has also radicalized is the journalism stratum. Forerunners of journalism practice modeled it to tell news and to interpret newsy events and issues with narratives that are completely appropriate so as to provide the public with truthful account. To help achieve that, the principle of verification was imbibed in the process of news gathering. Besides, there was also gatekeeping or editorial censorship, which helped to sustain factuality and structure of news.

With advent of information communication technologies, and increasing level of citizen participation in news reporting process, what we have now is a breech in the ‘first modern’ journalistic practice vis-à-vis holding facts as sacred and molding public opinion towards salient goals. We have now the ‘second modernity’ of the profession. That is, a modernization of the way journalism is being conducted. The effect of this has given calls for reflexive modernization on modern day journalism.

How would you explain that a traditional media outlet employs cybermedia technologies as “journalistic weblogs that offer non journalists a place to publish without the restrictions of a corporate environment and editorial limitations? When weblogs first hit the internet’s tarmac was it not heavily critiqued by adherents of the traditional media? They considered it an internet bugaboo then. So why did the traditional media not settle for only online versions of their media? What made them proceed to supporting blogging and weblogs causing change in its traditional practice? I dare say it is because of “modernity”- the second modern phase of journalism practice. Is the world not experiencing its post modern effects already?

The more modernity makes core values of journalism tradition disappear, the more we have to be receptive to information, much of which is catapulted by zealous flare for news creativity rather than for news reporting. And as the network societies of both professional and unprofessional journalists get more empowerment from technologies to reach the audience, at the receiving end is you and me. What do you think?

Footnote
Beck, U., Bonss, W. & Lau, C. (2003). The Theory of Reflexive Modernization, Theory, Culture & Society, Volume 20, Issue 2, 1-33.