I like the idea behind what MPR’s attempting to do, but I too share some of this concern that Patrick’s expressed. And I agree that it’s already a plenty-big problem in the way news outlets currently rely on sources and favorite subject-matter experts. (Example: On “The News Hour With Jim Lehrer”.)

But, I don’t think that’s enough of a reason for MPR to not want to try doing this.

Instead, MPR should try to put in place some measures to safeguard those with selfish agendas from exerting undo influence in the news-reporting process. Like urging particpants to engage in full disclosure up front about conflicts-of-interest that they may have. And encouraging other participants who see signs of conflicts-in-interest in other participants to call that to MPR’s attention.

Just to be clear, J, my cynicism didn’t stem from the concept of citizen journos – it’s directed at the idea that a mix of MPRites would offer a non-monolithic slant. Cat spelled it out nicely – different viewpoints in those circumstances are “noise”, better not even heard. When you say you’d like to be able to find sources as you need them, of different demographic makeups, you’re hitting the key point that makes it sound worthwhile.

I’m saying that as time goes on, wolves will don sheep’s clothing, pretending to be honest citizens, while serving some other master. The media is ALREADY full of these people, in the various “think tanks” which are nothing more than propaganda mills financed by people with too much money who want to keep it that way.

Cheers!

PD

I’m also a citizen. My opinions and perspective on Iraq, the bridge collapse, the Republican convention, the economy, etc have nothing to do with my role at ALAMN.

BTW: I’m also a former editor with a degree in broadcasting who has been working with media, both new and old, for 25 years. I love radio, and MPR has given me a chance to get back in the game, while I keep my day job. For me, and others in the project, it works.

And that’s not the worst problem. When it comes to the wiki-ing of news, it will soon become apparent that the people most interested in “contributing” are those with an agenda. For example, a political hack posing as a citizen. A corporate hack ditto. Other motives that come to mind include revenge and general troublemaking.

All that the MPR and BBC thing amount to really is, as someone has so nicely said, a gigantic expanding of the Rolodex. Ok, that’s good, but it ain’t a revolution.

With amateur politicians.

See: Keith Ellison.