A Transfer of Power

Carlyn Lynch
carlyn.lynch@gmail.com

Accountability. Without it, people can get away with anything. Independent journalist Amy Goodman said it is the media's job "to hold those in power accountable" and that journalists cannot "trade truth for access." This is becoming increasingly more difficult for reporters as media outlets continue to be consolidated by corporations. She sees new media as the "exception to the rulers" and I couldn't agree more.

Ms. Goodman discussed the accomplishments of I.F. Stone, who started his own publication to combat McCarthyism, racism in the military, the Vietnam War and other controversial issues of his time. Today, she said, he probably would have been a blogger. There are so many pressing issues facing the world today, so many life and death decisions being made. That is why we need someone watching. The media used to be considered that loyal "watchdog" for society, but not anymore. The public is overwhelmingly suspect of the traditional journalist for arguably very good reasons.

Enter bloggers. The internet has provided a platform for the public to inform the public, mobilize the public and spur powerful entities to action. A video of Amy Goodman's arrest at the Republican National Convention was posted to YouTube where it was viewed by thousands. The public outcry prompted her release. Facebook and other social networking sites were hugely influential in this year's presidential election. Independent opinions, discoveries, and dissent on the part of the silent majority are being publicized and making waves.

Everyone is talking about what these ominous waters mean for journalism, but what about politics? Newsrooms across the country are making the effort to be more transparent to prevent falling prey to criticism from meddling bloggers. Some traditional journalists view new media as the catalyst for the collapse of journalistic integrity. It scares them. Is it scaring Washington too? Corporations aren't immune either, no one is. All of a sudden, any Tom, Dick or Harry can rally an audience of millions with one eye-opening blog entry.

I will be conducting more in-depth research into how the political game is changing, now that it's under new media's microscope. The public is no longer limited to interpreting rhetoric from a press conference. Is bureaucracy in trouble? Also, how often has this technological communication been a tool for organizing physical demonstrations for the public voice in places where it is normally silenced? How will more oppressive governments be affected by the exponential growth of information sharing? All of a sudden anyone can have power, regardless of location, age, race or religion. What does power in the hands of so many mean for the power structures that be?