Red Kayaks and Hidden Gold: the rise, challenges and value of citizen journalism by John Kelly

Detailed Description

This report looks at the growing influence of ‘citizen journalism’, made possible by new technology available to all, and questions the relationship between both the journalist and the public in generating the news today.

 “Essential reading for all those wishing to understand the changing nature of journalism and how audiences are increasingly helping to shape the news.  John Kelly offers new insights to a world where the work of citizens is beginning to complement that of the mainstream media, and how traditional news organisations might respond to the challenge.”

Nic Newman, Controller Journalism, BBC Future Media & Technology

This is an astute and balanced survey of how public participation is reforming journalism. Kelly sets out clearly and calmly the big questions posed to the news media by changing communications technology and the increasingly demanding and creative citizenry of our digital world.

 Charlie Beckett, Author SuperMedia, Director, Polis @ London School of Economics

“This is a valuable paper which chronicles the birth and early years of user-generated content and its usage in traditional news journalism.  It is particularly insightful when looking ahead to how news organisations will view not just UGC but digital journalism generally in the future.”

Vicky Taylor, Commissioning Editor New Media, News and Current Affairs, Channel 4