Citizen Journalism, Micro-Publishing, and Local Politics

Those interested in the citizen journalism are aware of the success of the site OhMyNews out of South Korea, that is widely credited with influencing the outcome of South Korean presidential elections in 2002.

Those interested in media and publishing, know that micro-publishing (publishing of information targeted at a very local, community audience) has been an elusive trend in the publishing industry, yet something that has been tried over and over again.

At Neaju, we are currently watching development of micro-publishing effort by a Texas town and the effect it is having on a local mayor race.

The town is Frisco, TX. Surprisingly (or not) it is a relatively active cyber town. With population of about 100,000, it has a local discussion forum, Frisco On-Line, which according to the site, receives about 200,000 visitors and 3,000,000 page views per month. So maybe it is not so surprising that as a whole, the community is starting to embrace the concept of citizen journalism.

The town is preparing for the election of two new City Council Members, but most importantly, Frisco's next mayor. The race seems to be between two candidates - Matt Lafata and Maher Maso. Lafata is a a current member of the Frisco City Council while Maso was term-limited out after serving many years as both City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem. Both seem to enjoy wide support. Yet it is Maso's campaign that seems to be taking citizen journalism seriously and apparently reaping some early rewards.

The Unofficial Maher Maso Channel has been one of the first ones created on Neaju, and articles in support for Maso's candidacy have been appearing from the early days (altmost 2 months now ).

Yet over the last few weeks, the frequency of reports has been intensified, and some interesting information is starting to surface about the second candidate - Matt Lafata. Apparently, citizens are using the Freedom of Information act to obtain information about Matt, and uncover irregularities. A number of stories have been posted on Neaju relating to this issue, including one that questions Lafata's finances.

Whatever happens in this race, it is encouraging to see such a wide participation on a local level, albeit in support of a single candidate, and hey, maybe Neaju will be credited with influencing mayoral elections in Frisco, and maybe we'll get the first interview with the new Mayor, much like OhMyNews did. Regardless, what's happening in Frisco is further proof that citizen journalism is alive, well, and very powerful.