ONLINE JOURNALISM SHOULD BE CONTROLLED

Online journalism refers to news content produced and/or distributed via the Internet, particularly material created by journalists who work for mainstream market driven news organizations. While blogs and other emerging forms of online news communication are widely acknowledged as significantly influencing mainstream news content both on and offline, they are considered here a distinct phenomenon and treated under the category of alternative media.

Online journalism is the most popular form of freedom of expression and it is unrestricted. Anyone can write anything they want on the internet. It does not matter what religion, race or political stand you hold, you can write on the Internet. The only thing that differs the one from the others is their own self ethics conscience. This powerful unrestrained and uncontrolled ‘online journalism’ can topple big companies, bring down powerful people, taint a country’s name and so forth if used with ill intent and purpose.

In fact nowadays, online journalism is too radical and according to the Committee to Protect Journalists found that 45 percent of all media workers jailed worldwide are bloggers, Web-based reporters, or online editors. Their works and writings are too radical or are forms of propaganda that can sabotage a nation because online journalism is uncontrolled. As more and more people turn to online journalism, something must be done to control this powerful outlet of information.

When information is flowing through online fast, and stories are being pounded out in a hurry, carelessness and oversight can come into play as different people or organizations are competing in spreading news, especially breaking news. They might not get the clear information on how an event is truly happened as well as  the credible sources. Everybody is competing in publishing news the fastest they can without any clarification and verification on the issue. 

Another problem that make online journalism should be controlled is that, some news may be just rumors. It is worrying as people may be shocked and it can trigger chaos. For example, if somebody published a story about 'Malaysia will be attack by a gang of terrorist', it is sure will create insurrection in every people who read the articles as it involves life matters. When linking to another side, the unethical news could be leading the reader to false information, as it may be hard to find out if the information is in fact accurate, perhaps never.