A recent article on Poynteronline talked about a new model for citizen journalism. A media company in Boston, Massachussetts is tightly blending professional journalism with contributions from citizens, instead of separating the two. Apparently this 'tight integration of citizen content with professionally produced journalism' is the better way to go to produce the best information.
The melding of professional and amateur collaboration could be a success, but I don't think it's the way many news outlets will head. I think it could definately work for some markets, but maybe not for all.

Social Problem

While listening to NPR this morning, I was astonished by the child obesity report- something I've always been intruiged by ever since reading "Fast Food Nation. " Apparently half of all children in North and South America will be overweight in 4 years and worldwide it is expected to soar as well! When is the governement finally going to have an imput in child propaganda by major junfood and fast food businesses? Parents should also have a stronger imput in not providing this type of food as often to children. I know it is extremely hard to do in this day and age when the most accessible thing is a hamburger, but it will be intresting to see what kind of repercussions and what kind of a nation we become.

Podcasting/Vodcasting

Yet another feature to the media is starting to attract audiences... and its getting more tech savy. After reading the Steve Outing commentary about the new medium, several things came to mind: I do think that podcasting and vodcasting are a unique feature that enhances print journalism and I think that it will bring positive reactions from audiences. I do question however whether this is pretty much radio broadcasting? Why not just listen to the news on the radio? As for vodcasting, it also reminded me of creating a story via broadcasting format, so you also have regular braodcast news to watch, on a larger screen. I do like the idea however, and I think that it will probably help the print media as well, but I aIso think perhaps like Outing mentioned, that podcating and vodcasting might be more popular among younger audiences who are used to navigating the web and trying out new technologies. One thing is for sure however, in this day in age with so many ways to get access news, people ought to be able to get informed one way or another.