The only thing that Citizen Journalism is good for
Thursday, January 4th, 2007Just a few thoughts about what has been dubbed Citizen Journalism while I’m building the new KvC site. (Which may be called something different when it finally launches)
- those who practice journalism full time and earn a portion of their living from it are Professional Journalists
- those who practice journalism as a hobby in their spare time separate from their normal job are Amatuer Journalists
- those who don’t normally practice journalism but will chronicle a story through images, video and writing if it walks out in front of them and slaps them in the face are Citizen Journalists
Citizen Journalists are journalists of opportunity, and will only excel at really covering something of immediate and obvious importance by virtue of their numbers. Regular in-depth reporting will only come from Professional and Amatuer journalists because they are able to dedicate the time they need to gather information, verify sources, and tie them all together in an easy-to-understand package, even if they can’t be in all places at all times.