Mapping Citizen Journalists’ Profiles: A Case Study on Indonesian NET Citizen Journalist (NET CJ) Program

The meaning of “citizen” in the concept “citizen journalism” continues to be discussed by scholars in the field. The discussion centres on the skills and capitals that are required if one aspires to be an ideal citizen journalist. Citizen journalists have long faced prejudices for lacking the knowledge in journalism and quality in their news content. Regardless, citizen journalism in Indonesia has flourished, largely due to the rapid growth of smartphone and social media users. This study uses the case of the NET Citizen Journalist (NET CJ) program, which as Indonesia’s largest community for citizen journalists. By mapping the NET CJ program’s members’ profiles based on their geographic, psychographic, demographic, and behavioural backgrounds, this study aims to pinpoint certain socio-economic backgrounds that might motivate the program’s members to participate. Moreover, a better understanding of the members’ background may produce more effective strategies to identify and educate potential citizen journalists. This study concludes that NET CJ program’s members possess traits that can be found in other highly informed citizens as well. Their potential to become a bona fide citizen journalist is considerable, and if fully unlocked, may accelerate the development of news democracy in Indonesia.