The Rise of Citizen News: Understanding and Using User-Generated Content

User-generated content—or UGC—is reshaping the way news is gathered, reported, and consumed. In this episode of On Assignment, host Gath Townsend sits down with digital media expert Dr. Marisol Treviño to explore how everyday people are becoming part of the journalistic process through photos, tweets, videos, and on-the-ground reporting.

They dive into the origins of UGC, its impact on breaking news coverage, and the rise of participatory and citizen journalism. But with great access comes great responsibility: how do newsrooms verify content, preserve editorial standards, and maintain public trust in an era of misinformation?

We’ll look at innovative initiatives like The Documenters Network and ABC Open, the challenges of moderation, and what it takes for journalists to adapt to this new media landscape. Whether you're a journalist, a media student, or just a news consumer, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of the forces transforming today’s newsrooms.