Great story in the Journal today, looking at how citizen journalists are helping cover what is going on in Myanmar. Setting aside my dislike for the overly broad use of the term "citizen journalist" in this case, what we're seeing is a good example of how an increasingly connected and video enabled world allows news to flourish even in totalitarian regimes. At the same time, a note of caution properly expressed here (bold mine):
"When traditional methods and professional journalists can't provide footage, and personal safety allows, citizens rise to the challenge time and again, often with remarkable material," said Ellana Lee, the managing editor of CNN Asia Pacific in an email. "Even in countries like Myanmar, the spread of the Internet and mobile phones has meant that footage will always continue to get through and the story will be told, one way or another."
Still, working with inexperienced journalists can be a challenge for news organizations that want to publish credible, balanced information. Reuters, which has a reporter stationed in Yangon, says content from citizen journalists is rigorously checked for accuracy.
My trepidation is that the same trends of rapid transmission of video and photos can as easily be used by those seeking to deceive as by those seeking to enlighten.