What makes citizen journalism different in its viability?
LA: Professional journalists employed by mainstream media outlets can’t be everywhere to cover everything. Citizen journalists, when used effectively, can be used to supplement mainstream media coverage. Just like I-Reports were used effectively in the Minnesota bridge collapse, newspapers and other local media can be enhanced by citizen journalists who are on the scene of tragedies and important events on a local level, such as a car accident, a fire, a school shooting, a war protest, or the aftermath of a hurricane or flood. Do you believe that citizen journalism helps democratize information? If so, how? LA: Yes, citizen journalism does democratize information. The major newspapers are no longer the sole outlet for news and opinion. Average people have started websites and blogs and have built a substantial audience and become influential in all sorts of topics. Media consumers have many more options for getting opinions and news analysis.
