Ryckera Robertson

This chapter shows how audience participation is leading the progress of journalism. The most influential techniques being used to encourage readers to become the writer are crowdsourcing, open-source reporting, and pro-am journalism.

Crowdsourcing relates to reporting specifically what the audience wants. This may mean either reporting to answer a specific question or based on a targeted audience reporting a certain story. Crowdsourcing supports the idea that audience interest is what keeps journalism alive and progress. Give the reader what they want.

Open-source reporting is the technique of a news organization letting the public know about a story as it is being developed so that the audience can help report on the story. Reporters have realized that they can’t do it all. It’s easier to report on the story the audience wants if the audience can help the reporter get information. Trust your audiences ability to help investigate developing stories.

Pro-am journalism supports the idea of the audience being able to be a news organizations eyes and ears. During a time when anyone can take out a cell phone and take a picture or a video, the audience can help reporters fill in the blanks and even create their own stories.

The main idea of the chapter is to work hand-in-hand with your audience. Journalism is very unique in the fact that anyone can contribute to the story.