Remember CB Radios? Yes, they do exist even if it is a sort of second (third?) hand technology. Are they useful? Sure. Indispensable? Well, perhaps in very specialised scenarios like the Aussie Outback and the Karoo, but not much besides.
Someone in at a large media house (not this one, one based overseas) made the comment that Citizen Journalism is about as effective and useful and abundant as CB Radio. Is it? Or is it cutting edge, ultra-necessary and vital (as a satellite phone on Everest or the heart of Botswana).
There is a world of difference isn't there? In my opinion, right now, Citizen Journalism (CJ) is both. Some of it is edgy top class stuff, especially when it is a massive disaster, a terror attack, some Act of God. For the rest, where reporters must compete with Real reporters, one could argue that you get low quality for little/no pay. I think it is up to the content and platform owners to manage, coach and guide users towards being better reporters. They have the technology and often a little encouragement goes an awful long way...
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