iReport

"i report for CNN" T-shirt.
A T-shirt sent to some iReport contributors

iReport is CNN's citizen journalism initiative that allows people from around the globe to contribute pictures and video of breaking news stories. It is similar to Wikinews in that it allows, and encourages, regular citizens to submit stories, photos and videos related to news of any sort. This can range from breaking news to a story that a person believes is newsworthy. Submissions are not edited, fact-checked, or screened before they post.[1] Stories that are verified are approved for use on all of CNN's platforms. The program was launched on August 2, 2006[2] to take advantage of the newsgathering capabilities of citizens at the scene of notable events. iReport grew out of another related program: CNN's Fan Zone, which allowed viewers to contribute pictures and video from the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

The tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and the 7 July 2005 London bombings gave citizen journalists at the scene the opportunity to report on the events as they experienced them. Pictures from both were difficult to obtain in the moments after each tragedy. Broadcast news outlets, depending on agency or bureau video, were fortunate to receive submissions from people on the scene. Developing this format became a necessity for cable and network news shows.

As of January 2012, there were more than a million registered iReport members.In January 2015 iReport was moved from direct access on the www.cnn.com website with a dramatic reduction in the number of views for stories. Many of the original senior staff members have moved or departed.[3] The success of iReport has been utilized for specific programs, like the 2007 New Year's Eve coverage featuring iParty in which viewers' photos of their celebrations were shown on television.[4] CNN producers also regularly provide "assignments", for possible inclusion in upcoming coverage.[5]

Notable events

Although iReport proved popular from its inception, one event in particular catapulted such citizen journalism onto the international stage. On April 16, 2007, video submitted by graduate student Jamal Albarghouti captured the sounds of gunfire during the Virginia Tech massacre. CNN paid Albarghouti an undisclosed amount for the exclusive rights to the video he shot on his mobile phone. The immediacy of the pictures demonstrated the potential for such content.[6]

On August 1, 2007, many of the earliest pictures and eyewitness accounts of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota were submitted to iReport.

In 2008, iReport generated controversy for a false report about Steve Jobs' health, which caused Apple's stock to temporarily drop.[7][8] The hoax was attributed to users of the web forum 4chan.[9][10]

Other instances where CNN iReport was being blown up with submissions are during Hurricane Sandy and the Boston Marathon Bombing. Although many citizen journalists have submitted articles to the site, many of them were not credible. This started much controversy for the webpage regarding ethical beliefs.

CNN iReport Awards

In 2011, CNN held the first iReport Awards, with awards being given for seven categories: breaking news, personal story, compelling imagery, commentary, original reporting, interview, and community choice.[11]

iReport.com

In January 2008 CNN acquired Ireport.com and I-report.com for $750,000.[12] A beta version of the site launched on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. The site, which had its complete launch in March 2008, allows users to submit media and have it instantly appear on the site. CNN Producers will then go through the online submission and select reports for possible airing on the CNN television networks, CNN.com and other CNN platforms. The site also allows iReporters to contact each other. The site functions similar to YouTube and popular social.

New York Times buzzword

The New York Times described the word "I-reporter" as one of 2007's buzzwords: a word which endured long enough to find a place in the national conversation.[13]

Competitors

The popularity of CNN's iReport program has inspired a number of similar initiatives by other broadcast news organizations. Mobile application development companies independent of major news corporations have also developed apps which are similar to iReport.

Shows

CNN International aired "iReport for CNN". It was a weekly half-hour TV program showcasing iReport contributions. It was hosted by Errol Barnett. "News to Me" featured viewer-submitted content, along with other videos supplied by Blip.tv, Jumpcut.com, and Revver.com.

Criticism

iReport and other phenomenon billed as 'citizen journalism' by corporate news networks often offer no pay to contributors including photo and video contributions. While users are granted copyright to their contributions, they often are forced to relinquish control of who uses their work and where their images and video are shown worldwide.[14]

CNN has also been criticized by insufficiently distinguishing iReport stories from its own output. There have been several cases where hoax stories placed on that service were given credence by their apparent connection to CNN, for example a story about an impending asteroid impact,[15] and several stories regarding Apple Computer that significantly influenced its stock price.[16]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "About CNN iReport". CNN. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  2. ↑ "I-Report turns one year old". CNN. 2007-08-02. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  3. ↑ Zdanowicz, Christina (15 March 2011). "Meet the million: 999,999 iReporters + you!". CNN iReport Blog. CNN. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  4. ↑ "I-Report for the New Year". CNN. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  5. ↑ "CNN iReport FAQ/Help". CNN. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  6. ↑ "Student shot video of campus shooting". CNN. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  7. ↑ Kafka, Peter (3 October 2008). "SEC Investigating Fraudulent Steve Jobs Heart Attack Report". Business Insider. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  8. ↑ Blodget, Henry (3 October 2008). "Apple Denies Steve Jobs Heart Attack Report: "It Is Not True"". Business Insider. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
  9. ↑ Sandoval, Greg (October 4, 2008). "Who's to blame for spreading phony Jobs story?". CNet News. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
  10. ↑ Cheng, Jacqui (October 3, 2008). "Friday Apple links: Steve Jobs still not dead edition". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on December 9, 2008. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  11. ↑ "CNN iReport Awards".
  12. ↑ Shea, Danny (18 January 2008). "CNN Shells Out $750K For ireport.com Domain". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  13. ↑ Barrett, Grant (2007-12-23). "All We Are Saying". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  14. ↑ "iReport Terms of Use Domain". CNN. Retrieved 2010-01-02.
  15. ↑ Plait, Phil (28 May 2014). "No, an Asteroid Is Not Going to Wipe Out All Life on Earth in 2041" – via Slate.
  16. ↑ Schiffman, Betsy (2008-10-03). "‘Citizen Journalist’ Could Face Prison for Fake Jobs Story". Wired.com.
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