Spring 2007 Localization as a driver for citizen journalism Research from academia's only hands-on Citizen Journalism teaching laboratory Hans Meyer Doctoral student Missouri School of Journalism

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 The MyMissourian Dream Team The Cyberbrains is an informal group of Missouri School of Journalism researchers with a special interest in citizen journalism and related media issues. We are the core managers of the MyMissourian project. As a group, we have authored a book chapter, two conference papers and numerous presentations. The research opportunities have also resulted in four theses, one thesis in progress, two dissertation proposals and many individual conference papers or presentations.

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 Hans Meyer Ph.D. student MA from Missouri General manager of The Desert Dispatch, Barstow, CA Creator and Managing Editor of two weekly newspapers, The Hesperia Star and The Virgin Valley Spectrum For information on this and related research, Ibold at

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 The audience is … MyMissourianNorthwest Voice %16.2 % %18.9 % %29.7 % College Education62 %61 %

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 They read the local newspaper

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 On the other hand …

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 And yet another hand …

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 What they want is local news

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 And they’re not finding it in print

CJ, MyMo and MU Spring 2007 Citizen journalists need a guide Registration tripled at MyMissourian after the launch of a print edition. More than 30 % said it was important for them to see their contribution in print. Nearly half of MyMissourian users found the site through a personal contact or the local media.