UNDERSTANDING CITIZEN JOURNALISM: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Citizen journalism has emerged as a significant phenomenon in contemporary media systems, reshaping traditional boundaries between professional reporting and audience participation. This article provides a theoretical exploration of citizen journalism, examining its definitions, conceptual foundations, and place within media and communication studies. Drawing on key perspectives such as participatory culture, networked communication, and alternative media theory, the discussion highlights how citizen journalism challenges established notions of authority, credibility, and gatekeeping. At the same time, it raises critical questions regarding ethics, verification, and sustainability in the digital environment. Rather than focusing on empirical cases, this study aims to clarify the conceptual scope of citizen journalism and its implications for understanding media transformations. The analysis underscores its dual role as both a democratizing force and a source of disruption in the evolving media landscape.