CTV tries to bolster news coverage with citizen journalism

TV network CTV is the latest to jump on the citizen journalism bandwagon with the launch of a site dedicated to user-generated content at MyNews.ctv.ca.

A breathless news release from CTV headlined “Attention all Citizen Journalists!” told Canadians that:

Now, anyone with a digital camera or video phone can contribute to CTV News. Beginning today, video footage and images from citizen journalists across the country will potentially be used to compliment CTV’s extensive newsgathering efforts.

The website reflects the broadcasting legacy of CTV. It urges people to send in videos or photos that “will potentially be used to compliment CTV’s extensive newsgathering efforts”. CTV newsrooms will monitor the site to “determine its news value”.

It is clear that the CTV is retaining a traditional gate-keeping role, with its journalists decided what is news. It does not appear interested in trying to use the web to seek alternative perspectives on the news or involve its audience in deciding what is news.

CTV’s vision of citizen journalism is less about participation and more about publication, looking at the internet as a platform for newsgathering rather than engagement.