From Inside the Walls of Syria

Citizen journalists in Syria are forced to sneak stories out

As each of the articles discuss certain aspects that pertain to citizen journalism, I feel there is no better case study than the current situation in Syria.

Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad’s alleged use of chemical weapons is the hottest topic on Capital Hill right now. But focus on that word “alleged” for a second. Part of the current debate, albeit a small part, is focused on whether there is enough evidence of such actions. Such a question seems preposterous in today’s day and age. No evidence of chemical weapons being used in the streets? Surely there must have been a reporter on the scene?

The fact of the matter is that reporters from outside of Syria have no way of accessing the country right now. But instead of letting the world’s biggest news story go untouched, media outlets are relying on the few people that can tell the story of what is going on: The people inside of Syria.

Citizen reporters inside of Syria have singlehandedly told the biggest current event in the World. Likewise, the rest of the World has relied on the reports of these common men and women from within Syria. I believe that there is no better example of the profound impact of citizen journalism on the journalism industry than Syria.

Should we, however, take their stories to be true? Would it be outlandish to suggest that perhaps these reporters are embellishing the truth to bring help to Syria? While I personally do not think that such is the case, the idea is not totally out there. Regardless, without the reports of these citizens the World would be left clueless to the nightmare that is hiding behind the borders, thus making it a risk well worth taking.

Is Syria the greatest example of citizen journalism ever? Should the accuracy of the information provided by the citizen journalists be trusted? Does it matter? 

An article on citizen journalism in Syria