Community media

Community media are any form of media that function in service of or by a community. It is the rise of all kinds of alternative, oppositional, participatory and collaborative media practices that have developed in the journalistic context of ‘community media,’ ‘we media,’ ‘citizens media,’ ‘grassroot journalism’ or any radical alternative to on and offline mainstream journalistic practices.[1] In other words, it is having access to or creating local alternatives to mainstream broadcasting,[2] like local community newspapers, radio stations, or magazines.[3] Community Media aids in the process of building citizenship and raising social awareness. "Participation" and "access" are a large aspect in the rise of community media. Those who create media are being encouraged to involve themselves in providing a platform for others to express views. Community media is often given parameters when being defined by groups, but often challenges these boundaries with its broad yet narrow structure.[4]

  1. ^ Deuze, M. (2006).7(3), 262-280. doi:10.1177/1464884906065512, "Ethnic media, community media and participatory culture. Journalism: Theory, Practice & Criticism".
  2. ^ [Milan, S. (2009) 19(4-5), 598-609. doi:10.1080/09614520902866421], "Four steps to community media as a development tool. Development in Practice".
  3. ^ [Opubor, A. E. (2000).1-25], If community media is the answer, what is the question. Promoting community media in Africa.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference rennie-community-media was invoked but never defined (see the help page).