What is Citizen Journalism?

Citizen Journalism is community news and information shared online and/or in print. The content is generated by users and readers. It can be text / blogs, digital storytelling, images, audio file, podcasting or video. Feedback and discussion on issues raised is received in the same way.

Citizen journalism is a form of citizen media - where individuals write and or comment on issues they feel are left out of the mainstream media. Many issues addressed in citizen journalism tend to be covered in a superficial way by the mainstream media. A number of professional journalists have their own blogs. Blogging has become a powerful and non-expensive tool for non-journalists to share their stories and views.

A number of news web sites are encouraging people to comment on issues raised in their stories. Many people have chosen to use blogging as a way of expressing themselves. This also allows them to raise the issues without the fear of being ‘cut short' by the editor. Some journalists have their own blog spots where they receive feedback on their articles. More and more civil society organisations are using this form of communication to talk to their communities. They also raise areas of concern and encourage participation.