Citizen journalism in a time of crisis: lessons from a large-scale California wildfire

Abstract

The accessibility of news production tools through consumer communication technology has made it possible for media consumers to become media producers. The evolution of media consumer to media producer has important implications for the shape of public discourse during a time of crisis. Citizen journalists cover crisis events using camera cell phones and digital cameras and then either publish their accounts on the Web, or exchange images and accounts through informal networks. The result can be news in real-time that is more local and informative. In this study, we discuss the emergence of citizen journalism during and immediately following two wildfire events along the wildland-urban interface in southern California. The information-seeking behavior of community residents and the fire communication practices of relevant government agency staff were studied using qualitative techniques such as informal focus group sessions and participant observation.

Citation

Gillette, S.; Taylor, J.; Chavez, D.J.; Hodgson, R.; Downing, J. 2007. Citizen journalism in a time of crisis: lessons from a large-scale California wildfire. The Electronic Journal of Communication/La Revue Electronique de Communication 17 (3&4): www.cios.org/getfile/01731_EJC