I want to talk about citizen journalism, more specifically, about the websites created by “official” news sources that invite the average person to submit pictures, videos and stories. Originally, I planned to examine The Straits Times, CNN and AM New York, but I couldn't find the area where users can submit content on the AM New York website. I thought it would be interesting to see how two different local papers approached citizen journalism verses a large international organization like CNN, but perhaps next time. Instead I will just compare the citizen journalist website from the Straits Times and the one from CNN.
The Straits Times as I mentioned before is the main newspaper in Singapore. It has a online media content website, Stomp, where users can submit pictures and captions for their pictures. I haven't tried it myself, but as far as I can tell, users can submit content through the website, e-mail or through their mobile phones. I like the idea that users can take pictures and submit content instantaneously. Here's a screenshot of the website.
As you can see it has a modern, edgy, young look to it. I looked through the submitted images and the “stories” that go with them. Much of the content contains pictures that are more human interest stories. For example, one of the pictures showed a public area where picnickers left their garbage. And the caption said that the town council was going to do something about the litter problem.
Stomp serves as kind of a community building, consumer advocacy, citizens alerting other citizens about problems, participatory journalism. I don't think it's so much about breaking stories that would otherwise not garner attention as it is about neighbors giving each other advice. However, it does manage to affect policy. After the post about garbage left in public areas, community leaders took steps to investigate the matter so that it wouldn't happen again. This is something that may not have happened if there wasn't an obvious public forum for the complaints.
Also some of these photographs and captions make it into a daily newspaper so that it comes full circle. The media outlets give citizens an unofficial place to report news and that news makes it back into the official papers.
CNN's website for user-submitted content, ireport, has a different feel to it. Here's a screenshot of it.
As you can see, the look is much cleaner, more professional, less edgy than Stomp. The photo quality also tends to be much higher. I haven't tried submitting a photograph to CNN either, but I think the only way to submit is through the website.
CNN's website seems to focus more on journalism rather than building a community. There are even “assignments.” CNN posts topics they want pictures about, and users can submit pictures related to the topics, and the ones the editors like the best show up on the actual CNN website. One of the topics is about the future first lady and whether you think that the spouses of candidates can make a difference in the minds of voters.
Compare that topic to litter in a specific public area. CNN's scope of topics is much broader and has a less personal appeal to it.
I find the two approaches to citizen journalism complimentary. I think it's great that CNN wants regular joes to submit photographs for them to use. It might be a good way for an amateur photographer to gain some exposure, but it's not a good way to build up a community. Stomp on the other hand may not be as professional, but it's a nice community builder. Each photograph that's featured on Stomp has at least a few comments. On the other hand, the ireport photographs from CNN often have none.
I personally prefer Stomp, it's more fun and personable. Looking through the photographs on ireport feels more like doing research for a project. What about you my dear readers? Which do you prefer?
4 comments:
This was a great idea for a post, and I think that you are very insightful in identifying the differences between these two sights that are both incorporating elements of citizen journalism. The one thing that I would also be interested in comparing is the extent to which the content uploaded by readers to each site actually then becomes part of the traditional media outlet's coverage. Also, I wonder if you could relate this a bit to our class discussion on the use of new media and how it has empowered ordinary citizens in ways they could not participate in news processes in the past. Again as well, a very clear topic and visually clear and appealing.
I prefer a community based approach with a global consideration. But that's another blog. Your post is interesting because the Strait and CNN both serve the community but, to a different capacity. I am all for citizen journalism because it gives ordinary people the opportunity to communicate, inform ,and possibly, educate the 'professionals.' Great job.
This is an interesting blog. I personally think the Stomp site may get kind of boring even though it does present itself as more attractive visually when compared to Ireport. On the other hand, I think a lack of strong community is a major problem in the States and Singapore must be doing something right because it is the one of the cleanest and safest places in the world. Part of that may be due to it being a "Fine" place to visit. Anyways, be sure to bring your own gum and dispose of it properly.
I like the idea of citizens alerting other citizens about problems. I really like the comparison of these two sites you are making, I checked stomp and I was tempted to leave a comment under Ugly S'pore women on MRT: Pretend to SMS and act blur, I thought it was funny. I agree with you CNN look more professional but Stomp is more built to support an online community.
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