Every movement in history experiences challenges that cause it to morph from the purpose and design of its founders, usually in an effort to stay alive.
The incredible world-wide movement of citizen journalism is no different. In chapter one of our* book titled “Handbook for Citizen Journalists,” I point out that the movement is happening with no organized structure, no inspirational luminary, no headquarters, no power center, little or no funding, usually no government help and often government interference, no mass marketing strategy, no fixed standards–and most significantly–wild innovation.
The result is that many expressions of citizen journalism have been seen some unexpected successes and some well-funded failures. As time passes and more entrepreneurial journalists find ways to take advantage of the gap left by understaffed newspapers and developing technologies, more changes are sure to come.
Blogger Tom Grugisich gives a good review of citizen journalism in his Oct. 27, 2011 posting on STREETFIGHT. Though his review focuses mostly on citizen journalism in large US cities, it does give a snapshot of citizen journalism today. It is titled, “How is Citizen Journalism Playing Out Today?”
It’s a good read. To check it out, CLICK HERE.
PS: If you are an entrepreneurial journalist with an interest in citizen journalism, please contact me.
*My co-author is Susan Carson Cormier. “Handbook for Citizen Journalists” is the only book written FOR aspiring and active citizen journalists and has been distributed worldwide.
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