Media Trust is empowering people across the UK to become citizen journalists through its online project newsnet. Media Trust’s newsnet is a free online network showcasing the amazing social change that's been triggered by local people telling their own hyperlocal stories and creating grassroots campaigns. The site aims to help and inspire everyone to connect, share and learn to tell their local story.

We are creating a UK-wide hub of community reporters, citizen journalists and local storytellers, providing them with the tools and skills to get more from their local news, as well as learning from the experiences of others. The aim is to improve the quality and reach of these stories, through increased sharing amongst communities and distribution to mainstream media outlets, including Community Channel's UK360 magazine show, which will broadcast some of the best community news stories.

Gavin Sheppard, marketing director at Media Trust, said: "In a world where the news agenda is increasingly driven by individuals and where people powered change has become a reality in communities throughout the world, it's inspirational to hear of the many individuals in the UK using citizen journalism to effect positive change at home, and often uncovering stories that are not only important in their own area but also have national significance.

“With newsnet our approach is focused on collaboration with established citizen journalists, as well as identifying others who could benefit from the resources newsnet offers. It is our aim that communities come together, share learnings and receive support, in order to increase their impact and change their world. We want to make citizen journalism accessible to all.”
newsnet provides all the connections and support needed to empower everyone to play their part in creating and sharing their local stories, and only hours after launch, the first piece of community led content has been shared via newsnet. Footage of the fire at the Unigate Dairy, west London filmed by London360 community journalists, has been picked up by ITV News’ London Tonight programme.

One of the individuals championing citizen journalism is John Coster from Leicestershire. He founded Citizens' Eye in 2007 and over four years later it comprises 20 news agencies, each focused on a specific issue from dance and photography to ex-offenders, the homeless and traveller communities.

John is adamant that anyone with a story to tell can become a citizen journalist. He said: “All you need is enthusiasm. Even being able to read and write isn’t a barrier – that’s one of the reasons we set up our photography news agency. Many of our volunteer reporters have gone on to get part-time jobs. The first three editors of our refugee and asylum seekers news agency have all got residency, and our work with ex-offenders has given them the confidence to get out there and consider self-employment.”

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