As a reporter always looking for new story angles and ideas, I welcome citizen journalism with open arms. What better way to contribute to the news then to get a conversation going between professional journalists and members of the community. The concept of citizen journalism is still being tweaked, but if we give it a try we may just get it right.
This brings to mind a famous quote from Jesse Jackson: "If you try you may fail, but if you don't try you're guaranteed to fail."
The first go around at citizen journalism didn't quite work for Dan Gillmor, but after noting his shortcomings he affirms that "a more democratized media is crucial for our common future – grassroots ideas, energy and talent." In this, he points to the solution: the future.
Citizen journalism can and will work. I know this because the youth of this country are entirely more tech-savvy than their previous generations. A study by Pew Internet and American Life Project concludes that 57 percent, yeah that's 12 million, of teenagers who are online, create content for the internet; 19 percent have blogs. I would bet most of their parents have never even heard of a blog. These teens are citizen journalists in the making. They are so used to reality television that they naturally have an untarnished, observing eye for reality – a need for truth.
I think we need to jump in, head first, and test the waters. First, we should start by devoting a section of our web site to non-journalistic citizens who can tell us what they think is news. Second, provide topical questions that spark curiosity and conversation. Third, allow anyone to comment on the stories that are published online and broadcasted on KUJH-TV. Forth, expand our community by enlisting experts in different professions to write about issues pertaining to their specific field. Thus, bringing diversity and thought provoking issues to the conversation. Finally, give people the opportunity to post pictures and video which pertain to stories or community issues to the web site.
I think our model for success is the MSNBC citizen journalism page. Citizens post comment to topical issues that are covered in the news. But there is also opportunity to add your own view by responding to "assignment desk" questions. MSNBC is stirring the pot and it seems to be working; hundreds are responding, while many more are catching on.
For this phenomenon to work there must be a distinction. Professional journalists get paid, while citizen journalists are contributing for their own satisfaction. Credibility and accountability must remain, thus allowing a web site to set guidelines for submissions. But I refrain from saying that a web site should monitor its submissions, because then there would be no point to citizen journalism. I say, bring on citizen journalism, but don't let it take my job in "professional" journalism.
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