ONLINE FEATURE

Online Journalism is a radical and dissidence in character

Online journalism basically defines as ‘quality news and information posted on the World Wide Web, where people can read, see, hear it through their computers and other similar devices’( Wolk 2001:6).

Sometimes it plays the role as radical and dissidence in character. According to Dr Rahmat Ghazali, lecturer of UiTM, in his book, Online Journalism on Malaysian Socio-Political Landscapes, online journalism promotes feelings of discontentment within the society with regards to speculative, defamation, libellous, negative criticisms and irresponsible discourses that may expose interethnic relation as well as the dignity of the nation. They are seen contributory to social tension because the stories posted are seemingly lacking a discipline of verification. For that reason the obligation to the truth is likely to be ignored and would lead to fallacy, speculative and sensationalised pieces. The implication would be underlying to social tension when defamation, libellous, seditious, and racism materials were posted and globally accessed.

Online journalism can be considered as radical, as the existence of anti-government bloggers, voice out their views opposed the government agendas. As well, the alternative websites established in order to disseminate the information towards the target audience. As an instance, the emergence of alternative media websites such as Malaysiakini and Harakah Daily in late 1999 proved that Malaysian online journalists continue to innovate.

In addition, online journalism is not profit-oriented. Compared to most traditional media that broadcasts news for the sake of profit, writers of online news are more “straight-forward” in presenting their ideas and this shows that online journalism as radical. It is also that the barriers to entry are low. If compared to traditional media, which are controlled by “professional writers”, basically anyone can write via the internet. All it needs is a computer, an internet connection; software (Weblog, Blogger) and we are set to go. This makes it easier for anyone to become a “news writer”. So basically, anyone can write whatever they feel appropriate.

 Online journalism is more interesting rather than traditional media

Besides, they will basically write whatever they feel like writing; and some of them are unethical because of the use of punitive languages to criticize or comment on a certain issue. This makes online journalism ever more radical when it comes to criticizing a certain issue.

It also promotes a two way communication. As an instance, whatever issue is being published online, readers can post their comment and share thoughts regarding the issue. These thoughts will then contribute to the issue, demanding action from the parties involved and it will portray the resistance of online journalism.

Last but not least, it is usually assumed that information is what we already have such as it is all around us. It is democracy what the online journalism seeks. They want each and every issue told by certain parties to be justified especially, the reasons. However, sometimes, it is still up to the authority to pass it on as a national issue or just put it aside. Therefore, online journalists will express their feelings of anxiety and regret through radical writing because it is the only way that people, including the authority would pay attention to them.