How is "citizen journalism" defined?

• A. News reported by individuals outside of traditional media organizations
• B. News reported by professionals in established news outlets
• C. Journalism focusing solely on political issues
• D. News exclusively produced for social media platforms

Answer: (A)

"Citizen journalism" is defined as news reported by individuals who are not professional journalists and operate outside of traditional media organizations. This approach allows everyday people to share news and information, often through social media or other online platforms, providing perspectives that may not be covered by mainstream media. Citizen journalists can document events, report on local issues, and contribute to the public discourse, often filling gaps left by larger news organizations.

The focus on individuals not affiliated with established media is what distinguishes citizen journalism from professional journalism, where reporters are typically employed by recognized news outlets. This definition also highlights the democratization of information dissemination, allowing anyone with a story or information to share it with a broader audience. The other options describe different aspects of journalism but do not capture the essence of citizen journalism, which emphasizes the role of non-professionals in reporting news.