Social Media is arguably 2009’s hottest topic. Its changed the way we interact and communicate with our friends, families and peers and its also changed the way we receive information such as news.
There are a few classic examples of how social media has shaped the news worthy-ness of stories in 2009.
Michael Jackson’s passing is a standout, so is the plane that landed on the Hudson. Both of these stories were widely reported and spread on social networking site Twitter before the media even had so much as had a whiff.
Traditionally the large news agencies have dictated what is considered newsworthy and that has been filtered down through our local news providers. It goes without saying that this is often censored or manipulated to suit the perceived audience of the “values” of the agency.
Social Media is opening the worlds eyes to events and stories that would otherwise go untold. Head to twitter and type in #Iran and see what comes up. Whilst the story was widely publicised in the media back in June, more information was filtered via Twitter than reporters were able to find themselves due to restrictions on travel and reporting. The power of social media helped propel Iran into the television sets around the world a topic that perhaps traditionally would have been considered “un-appealing” or not in the best interest of the media outlets to report on.
The power of many and what’s important to them is what’s driving this shift. It dosen’t matter if its MJ, a crash landing, a boy in a balloon or a political protest… news, especially on twitter travells fast.
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