Is news a conversation?

"Is news a conversation?" is a question journalists must consider today. I personally feel that the answer is yes, with some exceptions. I do not think all user-contributed content should be included in news stories, but I do think some is useful, if not essential.

I found the webcast titled, "It's a Conversation, Stupid," very enlightening. Several executive editors and producers spoke about their websites and how they are opening them up to their audiences. I agree with the idea that in order to attract more viewers, news sites must interact with their users. Those who do not utilize user-driven content are missing out on a great opportunity.

If a user wants to contribute information, why not consider what they have to offer? After all, they may be allowing you to use important information for free. This is a great advantage.

Also, users may have content that only they could obtain. A user may have been in the right place at the right time and caught a news worthy event on camera. I think it would be foolish not to use such rare footage that a user may have.

For example, it was important to allow users to contribute information after the Virginia Tech shootings. Many stories on this event included user-generated content, such as videos and pictures. This was helpful because the journalists themselves could not have been there exactly when the shootings occurred. Only the students, faculty and victims saw what really happened that terrible day.

I think it is also helpful to allow users to post comments on stories. Many people feel the need to express themselves and how certain events have affected them. Especially after an emotionally upsetting event such as the Virginia Tech shootings, it may be beneficial to allow users to express what they are going through.



Although I do think user-generated content is a good thing, I also think there should be some restrictions. I don't think news sites should publish absolutely anything users contribute. Content that is unreliable should be omitted. Also, if the user's content lacks newsworthiness or may be offensive or harmful to viewers, it should not be published.



But besides those restrictions, I think everything else should be considered part of the news. I think that news is and should be a conversation, that brings the most information to the most people possible.