http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-996998.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists discuss CNN's recent decision to fire around 50 staff members, including nearly a dozen photojournalists. The network based its decision on the increasing accessibility of cameras and the growth of citizen journalism.
Citizen journalism can be a useful resource for complementing the work of professionals. It can also provide video from places where a network journalist might not be when news breaks, such as a tornado.
However, the panelists think pencil pushers are looking at the bottom line instead of the quality of the product. They believe amateur video cannot replace the day-in, day-out work done by reporters. The networks will end up with a lot of video that looks like it's from "Cops" if they choose to rely more on citizen journalists instead of professionals.