Citizen Journalism

Examples -Another example was footage captured by a citizen of the asian tsunami on December 26th 2004

One more example is the London bombings 2005.

Theories -

Benefits toInstitution - News companies do not have to send journalists document the issue and can use the UGC to display and inform audiences about.

Benefits to Audience - Audiences can now witness news that was recorded by a citizen and show it as it actually is. Audiences then were allowed to like comment about the issue that had been posted on the social media site.

Wider Issues & debates -

SHEP -

1) What is meant by the term ‘citizen journalist’?

A citizen journalist is an ordinary person who documents things such as recording with their smart phones.

2) What was one of the first examples of news being generated by ‘ordinary people’?

The first example was footage recorded by someone of Rodney King being beat up by LA Police.

3) List some of the formats for participation that are now offered by news organisations.


4) What is one of the main differences between professionally shot footage and that taken first-hand (UGC)?
The difference would be that professionally there will be a better quality and footage shot by hand will not have the best quality as well as lack of equipment to film.

5) What is a gatekeeper?

 A gatekeeper is what UCG is broadcasted on the news and what will never be broadcasted on the news is all decided by a gatekeeper.
6) How has the role of a gatekeeper changed?


7) What is one of the primary concerns held by journalists over the rise of UGC?

Journalists are losing their jobs because of this ordinary people are doing the job of journalists