Blogging - Redefining Global Modern Journalism: An Omani Perspective

Introduction The modern advanced communication technologies have added a new dimension to the production and consumption of news journalism around the world. They have enabled the creation of new publishing spaces where diverse voices can engage in conversations about matters affecting daily lives. The Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) present citizens with many opportunities to produce as well as consume information. The changes in media usage is becoming a cultural phenomenon characterized by the evolving developments in communication technologies. It has been described as the "interactive phase of modernity" where everyone has the opportunity to communicate with one or many through the modern interactive communication technologies. The modern mediasphere is now largely characterized by interactive technologies. Mainstream media are no longer the only source of news medium available to citizens[1]. The growing uptake of ICTs by ordinary people has enabled them to become both users and producers of information about public affairs and has clearly indicated that developments in technology, audience needs and media uses are intricately entwined. ICTs have enabled the creation of alternative online media sites which have added a new dimension to the production and consumption of news journalism around the world. This enables ordinary individuals to become producers, editors and publishers of news content. Users now have the capacity to create multiple spaces for diverse and interconnected public conversations. These conversations often occur in weblogs or blogs. Blogging is a communicative practice that allows people to connect, converse and share information in a digitally networked environment. The global reach of digital networks such as blogs allow people to discuss with local and global participants the issues and events affecting their lives. In 2003, the Oxford English Dictionary included the terms blogs, weblog, weblogging and weblogger in the dictionary which is now used to describe personal websites that offer "frequently updated observations, news, headlines, commentary, recommended links and/or diary entries, generally organized chronologically"[2]. Late Ms. Catherine Seipp, an American media critic had described the changes in media trends after September 11: "In general, 'blog' used to mean a personal online diary, typically concerned with boyfriend problems or technical news. But after September 11, a slew of new or refocused media junkie/political sites reshaped the entire internet media landscape. Blog now refers to a web journal that comments on the news often by criticizing the media and usually in rudely clever tones, with links to stories that back up the commentary with evidence. "[3] In Oman, it was the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and his dynamic world that ended the country's medieval isolation and propelled it towards a globally integrated path of development. Under His leadership, Oman has embraced globalization with open arms. With the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution, the pace of integration has further accelerated[4]. With the increasing importance of citizen-journalism on the Internet, which has burgeoned since blogging started gaining popularity in the early 2000s, the new media is making a beginning in Oman too. Blogging in Oman is taking off, although it is still relatively unknown and not very popular among the general public. However, among the journalists and professionals, globalised class, it is an emergent phenomenon. The Arabic and English blogs in Oman reflect the thoughts and concerns of the citizens, about local, regional or national issues. In this context, this study aims at investigating the nature and characteristics of Omani blogs that are now spreading among the internet users in the world. The study intends to be a springboard to indulge in further study in this area. …