Show-Me State Times

A study conducted by the University of Missouri School of Journalism highlights a new model termed "volunteer journalism" as a means to address gaps in local news coverage. According to the research, this model comprises individuals volunteering to create, curate, and share news and information within an organization.

Nick Mathews, assistant professor of journalism and the lead author, stated, “With traditional news organizations struggling or disappearing in many places, volunteer journalism could help fill the gap by keeping communities informed and connected. This is particularly crucial in areas where professional journalism is no longer available.”

The study distinguishes volunteer journalism from citizen journalism by motivations and focus. While citizen journalists are often motivated by personal interests or specific agendas, volunteer journalists aim to serve communities through consistent and reliable news provision. This model emphasizes a long-term commitment to organizations, prioritizing the dissemination of information over persuasion or opinion promotion, and serving the broader community rather than specific issues or groups.

Mathews, with research areas in rural and local news ecosystems, pointed out the absence of formal records for volunteer journalists globally. Many volunteers cited a lack of professional news coverage in their communities as the reason for their involvement. “Many of these volunteers see this as a service to their communities,” Mathews stated. “It’s encouraging to see people realize how valuable journalism is to their community, and they are willing to do this for free for their communities.”

Over 2,000 news organizations have closed in the last two decades, with the industry still struggling to find a sustainable path forward. The University of Missouri School of Journalism is tackling this issue by focusing on entrepreneurialism within the industry, including courses on news products and business strategies supporting sustainable local journalism.

Despite concerns about the future of local media due to declining revenues, media consolidation, and the rise of digital platforms, the study’s authors offer optimism. “By tapping into the dedication of individuals willing to contribute their time and expertise, organizations can persist in delivering valuable content to their communities,” said Mathews. “Therefore, we contend that volunteer journalism warrants a place within journalism studies, given the growing challenges faced by news ecosystems globally and its potential to address these issues.”

The study was published in Journalism Practice. Co-authors include Pranaav Jadhav and Damilola Oduolowu, doctoral students at the Missouri School of Journalism, and Lene Heiselberg, an associate professor at the Centre for Journalism, University of Southern Denmark.