Principles of Citizen Journalism

Tapping into the wisdom of the community

Accuracy

Thoroughness

Fairness

Transparency

Independence

Resources

The team behind this project

SECTIONS

Accuracy & fact-checking
How to get it right

Thoroughness
Going the extra yard for information

Fairness
Treating opposing points of view with respect

Transparency
Disclosure a key ingredient in gaining trust

Independence
Following the story wherever it leads

Interviews
Tapping into the wisdom of the community

Resources
Where to find more information

Amy Gahran on accuracy and transparency

Correcting mistakes online

See the comments

‘Please don’t call it citizen journalism’

A short video interview with Michael Tippett, co-founder of the citizen media site NowPublic.com, in which he talks about how people engaging in grassroots media don’t consider themselves journalists.

“People who are sharing photographs and writing blogs and videos aren’t doing it because they are journalists. ... They are doing it because it is a natural human impulse to want to share your experiences.”

—Michael Tippett

Interviewer: J.D. Lasica
Length: 2 minutes
Capture device: Nokia N-93 camera phone
Download MPEG-4 video (4.7 MB)

Photos across top of page (from left to right) by Rob Milsom, Tom Magliery, Elaine Yeung, Stefan Jansson, Geren W. Mortensen, Jr., John Cumisky