Idea joins hands with CNN-IBN to support its Citizen Journalist programme

In a move to involve people in the news process and give them a platform to voice their opinions, Idea Cellular has taken the initiative to support the CNN-IBN Citizen Journalist programme. Idea will enable its customers to use their mobile platform to report news of all genres – sports, general interest and entertainment.

A first of its kind interactive news programme, citizens can report an event by sending an SMS, MMS or simply calling with his story, which will be covered on CNN-IBN as well as on their website ibnlive.com.

Commenting on the association with Idea, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor and Chief, CNN-IBN, said, “Citizen journalism is an idea whose time has come. It is CNN-IBN’s way of engaging the viewer, of making him an active participant in the process of news-gathering, of making television news truly interactive. The big idea is to build a citizenry that is engaged with public life. On behalf of CNN-IBN, I would like to thank Idea for supporting this idea.”

With ‘Citizen Journalist’, mobile users are encouraged to report or send video file images through SMS or MMS CJ to 2622. Each time a citizen reports a story, either through voice call, SMS or MMS (picture or video), the editorial team at CNN IBN will verify the story and air it in the form of Breaking News on the channel. Citizen journalists may also post it via mail on www.ibnlive.com.

Vikram Mehmi, CEO, Idea Cellular Ltd, said, “The Idea Citizen Journalist initiative is a path breaking concept and in its true sense will empower every Indian to take on issues – news of the people, for the people and by the people. The mobile interface is the most interactive platform for citizen journalists and we are happy to back this initiative.”