What are the three big changes that Shirky mentions to the media landscape? How do these changes affect journalists’ sources?
According to Clay Shirky, there are three big changes that have impacted the media landscape. These changes include:
1. Abundance of Information: The internet has led to an abundance of information as anyone can now publish and share content easily. This has democratized the media landscape, allowing for a wide variety of perspectives and voices. However, it has also made it more challenging for journalists to verify the credibility and accuracy of their sources, as misinformation and fake news can easily spread.
To navigate this change, journalists need to adopt rigorous fact-checking practices and rely on trusted sources. They must be vigilant in verifying the information they receive and take additional steps to confirm the credibility of their sources.
2. Audience’s Control: The second change is the shift of power from media organizations to the audience. In the past, media organizations had control over what content was produced and consumed. However, with the rise of social media and online platforms, the audience now has more control over what they want to consume and share.
This change affects journalists' sources by making it essential for them to engage with the audience directly. Journalists need to build a strong online presence and actively participate in conversations on social media platforms. They must connect and build relationships with their audience to understand their needs and preferences, as well as to find new story leads and sources.
3. Disintermediation: The third change is the disintermediation of the traditional gatekeepers of news, such as newspapers and television networks. Now, anyone can directly access and distribute news without the need for intermediaries.
This change affects journalists' sources by expanding the range of potential sources beyond traditional institutions. Journalists now have the opportunity to tap into diverse and non-traditional sources of information, such as citizen journalists, social media users, and eyewitnesses. However, it also requires journalists to exercise caution and critical thinking, as unverified sources can also emerge.
In summary, these three changes - abundance of information, audience's control, and disintermediation - have significantly impacted the media landscape and have changed the way journalists approach and evaluate their sources. To adapt to these changes, journalists must adopt rigorous fact-checking practices, engage with the audience directly, and remain critical while exploring a wider range of potential sources.