We the Media

Dan Gillmor’s We the Media, originally published in 2004 by O’Reilly Media, is a pivotal work that explores how the internet has revolutionized journalism. Gillmor chronicles the shift from Big Media’s control of news to a more democratic, grassroots movement powered by technology. As the Financial Times noted, We the Media has “become something of a bible for those who believe the online medium will change journalism for the better.”

With the advent of personal blogs, social media, and digital tools like smartphones and laptops, readers have turned into reporters, transforming news from a one-way lecture into a dynamic conversation. Gillmor emphasizes how this shift not only democratizes news production but also forces traditional newsmakers- politicians, celebrities, business executives, and public relations professionals- to adapt to a new era of engagement.

Gillmor calls for a fundamental change in the media ecosystem, advocating for citizen journalism that thrives on openness and transparency. He warns that Big Media’s resistance to change, driven by short-term profit motives, threatens the future of quality journalism.

We the Media is not only a call to action for journalists but also a wake-up call for everyone participating in the media landscape. It explores the evolution of journalism from a centralized industry to a more participatory, global practice.

The book is available for free under a Creative Commons license, allowing it to be shared for non-commercial use. It can be downloaded from the Internet Archive in several formats.