Do bloggers who criticize the press ultimately matter? (Re)defining media accountability in the age of citizen participation

Abstract

Bloggers criticizing the traditional media over poor quality journalism are being touted as potentially influential instruments of media accountability. This paper questions whether in retrospect the old order of media accountability still has relevance in an increasingly networked media environment. The aim of the paper is to suggest a framework for understanding how bloggers criticizing the traditional journalism practice can be examined in a study on media accountability in the digital era. The essay interrogates the concept of media accountability and the significance of bloggers’ criticism on journalism practice.

Keywords: Bloggers; journalism practice; media accountability; media criticism; media responsibility; participatory media.