The special issue of the journal Global Media and China “Citizen Journalism in Asian Countries”.

In the aftermath of the South Asian tsunami of 26 December 2004, the term ‘citizen journalism’ quickly gained currency with news organisations finding themselves in the difficult position of being largely dependent on ‘amateur content’ to tell the story of what was transpiring on the ground in the most severely affected areas. Despite its ambiguities, the term was widely perceived to capture the countervailing ethos of the ordinary person’s capacity to contribute to professional news coverage, thereby providing commentators with a useful label to characterise an ostensibly new genre of reportage. Over the years since, it has become increasingly apparent that for varied reasons, priorities and motivations, so- called ‘accidental journalists’ – be they survivors, bystanders, first-responders, law enforcement, combatants, activists or the like – feel compelled to bear witness, often at considerable personal risk. The implications for news organisations have been profound.

This special issue focuses on citizen journalism in Asian countries in order to identify and explore a range of important questions regarding its significance for the changing nature of journalism and society.

[spoiler title=’Possible topics to be examined may include:’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

the perceived impact of citizen journalism on established Asian news organisations

how Asian journalists re-evaluate their professional identities, duties and ethics in response to citizen journalism

the role of citizen journalism in crisis situations

Asian values serving as facilitators or barriers (or both) to the emergence and development of citizen journalism

“fake news” masquerading as citizen journalism spreading through social media

Asian citizen journalists’ use of global online social networks – such as Facebook, Twitter or Snapchat – and the creation of sustainable alternatives (such as Weibo and WeChat in China)

citizen journalism as a form of empowerment, such as in the advancement of human rights

viewers, listeners or readers perceptions of citizen journalism in Asian countries

innovation and experimentation in citizen journalism[/spoiler]

Other topics are welcome, of course; the above list is suggestive of possibilities.

Extended abstracts of 500 words are due 30 March 2018. The deadline is extended to 15 April.

Read more from the full call-for-papers.