Citizen Journalism Coming to a Website near you
Yes, the first example of citizen journalism I was aware of this year was MyMissourian which combines citizen contributed stories with a website and then an eventual printed piece.
A Springfield example has shown up called the Springfield Citizen-Press.
I've said it once and I'm going to write it again: isn't this similar to what many weekly newspapers experience every day? If you are a newspaper editor you've had this type of experience: Little Joe comes in with a handwritten media release about the 4-H fair along with a picture of the club members. Your newspaper prints because it involves local people. But, keep in mind, the story was submitted by a citizen journalist.
What do you think? Do weekly newspapers still have a corner on this market or do online sources like the following do a better job?
Joplin Independent
Wikinews
You Tube
Report it Now
And, of course, MyMissourian
A Springfield example has shown up called the Springfield Citizen-Press.
I've said it once and I'm going to write it again: isn't this similar to what many weekly newspapers experience every day? If you are a newspaper editor you've had this type of experience: Little Joe comes in with a handwritten media release about the 4-H fair along with a picture of the club members. Your newspaper prints because it involves local people. But, keep in mind, the story was submitted by a citizen journalist.
What do you think? Do weekly newspapers still have a corner on this market or do online sources like the following do a better job?
Joplin Independent
Wikinews
You Tube
Report it Now
And, of course, MyMissourian
posted by David L. Burton at 8/24/2006 10:17:00 PM
1 Comments:
It's not a matter of a better job. It's a matter of a *different* job. Citizen journalism isn't and shouldn't be about replacing the mainstream media or doing a better job at the professional game. It is about recognizing that diverse discourse communities are not always well-served by a news media that addresses a general public. A better way to understand this movement: citizen journalism will come to be an effective adjunct to the professional product. Pros and citizens will work together.
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