Who We Are: A Q-Study of Types of Citizen Journalists

• In Event: Citizens and the News: Participants, Sources, Journalists?

Abstract

The study of citizen journalists’ characteristics and values has gained relevance and popularity, but problems remain in operationalizing the ambiguous term, “citizen journalist.” This study uses Q-methodology to determine the types of citizen-journalists that exist in the newssphere. Through Q, categories of people are generated which are operant, revealing entirely new effects in ways that traditional questionnaires cannot (Smith, 2001). The factor analysis revealed three types of citizen journalists: The Nonchalant, Self-Fulfillment Seeker, The Watchdog’s Watchdog, and the Passionate Pro-Hopeful. Q-method proved valuable in identifying new ways of thinking about citizen journalism, confirming some traditional knowledge about citizen journalism, and offering new insights.

Authors

• Tara Marie Mortensen, U of South Carolina

• Ana Keshelashvili, Georgian Institute of Public Affairs

• Tom Weir, U of South Carolina