Citizen Journalism

What is citizen journalism?

In relation to this topic, I keep coming across the term "pro-am" which before I go any further is important to discuss. This of course refers to the gradual shift that is taking place from the 'professional' to merely the enthusiastic amateur -- writing at a professional standard. Citizen journalism is a common example. We've seen how the internet (and more specifically, Web 2.0) has given everyone a voice.
These days, anybody can set up a blog, pull in some readers and hey presto! Suddenly you are a professional citizen journalist/blogger. Now, this is liberating in many ways... It's a revolution for the people. It's been described as a bottum-up reorganisation of the industry. We, as citizens, decide what we read and what is reported; there is more information on obscure topics and many contrasting opinion pieces. In general, news and current affairs become a part of 'civic' space like never before.

So then what is the problem with citizen journalism? Why can't we endulge in the choice of reading from both worlds -- the professional industry as well as the online pro-am?

The news industry has always survived it's economic, social (think 'moral panic'), political and technological hardships -- In other words, it has continued to re-invent itself or adapt in the face of change. So considering the rise in what can also be known as “participatory journalism” and “user-driven journalism”, should they be worried now? Technically, yes. Over the last few years, it has become abundantly clear that political and heirarchical influences have affected the flow of news and information. With the rise of citizen jounalism, this happens less and less.

It's important to remember, however, that not everyone owns a blog... and not everyone reads the news online. What would my grandparents do without their 6 o'clock news everynight?
What I am trying to get at is that, regardless of an increase in information and opinion, people will always want to find news and current affairs (on a "professional level") in specific times, at specific places. Whether that be in the newspaper of a morning, or a a bulletin during the day.

I think specifically what I want to look at from here is how grassroots citizen journalism can co-exist with professional journalism.

References:
Axel Bruns http://journal.media-culture.org.au/0804/10-burns.php
http://www.demos.co.uk/publications/proameconomy
http://www.hypergene.net/blog/weblog.php?id=P327
http://www.journalismhope.com/node/28