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Just as local politicians are usually more honest than their federal counterparts, local citizen journalists are often more reliable than professional journalists. This does not reflect a personal fault or any intentional bias on the part of any individual. It is merely the cumulative result of the circumstances in which the professional journalist finds his- or herself. There is an eventual detachment experienced between professional journalists and 'the real world' that results in a lower quality of reporting.

As reporters start their careers, they are fighting hard for scoop and eager to uncover the real story. They are not jaded by boring assignments, repeated themes, stubborn interviewees, and unyielding subjects. Although they are often assigned the more mundane assignments, they find a particular and indescribable thrill in the city council meeting, the police beat, or even the obituaries. They attack their subject matter with zeal and do the very best they can to bring that story to life.

Years down the road, when they are juggling assignments with daily deadlines, they do not have the time or attention to focus on each individual story. Little clues that would uncover a larger picture go unnoticed in the hurry. Bias from previous stories begins to trickle into the text. Cynicism becomes more common.

Professional journalists are taught to sensationalize. They find themselves stripped of their original writing style and standards and molded to whatever their company needs. In every way, professional journalists are as much salesman as they are reporters. Editors push content that appeals to a particular audience. Doom, gloom, sex, and scandal are the primary themes of professional journalism.

Furthermore, especially in corporate America, there is an intense bias in national and syndicated media. Every company is owned by another company who owns someone else.

Imagine this scenario:

The national newspaper is contacted from a whistle-blower from a particular company. This individual is aware of some serious violations of federal and state laws occurring at the company, including the hiring of illegal aliens and unlicensed professionals.

Unfortunately, the organization that owns the newspaper also owns the company in question. What kind of spin do you imagine that the newspaper will place on that story? Will it be a fair, equitable view of the issues? Will it condemn the company for its illegal and unethical practices? Unlikely. It is far more likely that the newspaper will smooth it over, attempting to make the situation appear less than it really is.

Of course, if the company were owned by a competitor, the story would reek of outrage and scandal. It all depends on the bias of the journalist, editor, and the owner.

However, a citizen journalist is subject to no such censorship, and will merely call the facts as they are seen. Citizen journalists offer a refreshing objectivity and truthfulness that was once expected - and required - of professional media.

Learn more about this author, Nicole Thelin.
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