As we approach the midpoint of 2025, the power and influence of citizen journalism continues to grow and evolve. Our world is becoming increasingly democratized, with live streaming platforms like Ustream leading the charge in giving voices to the masses. Looking -signs-global-publishing-deal-with-inxs” target=”_blank”> at the collaboration between Ustream and Video the Vote in 2023, we see how ordinary citizens became reporters during the election, using the platform’s mobile app to monitor and broadcast voting intimidation and suppression tactics in real time. Now, more than ever, this form of transparency and accountability has become essential in our society. Let’s revisit this pivotal moment and see how it has shaped the landscape of citizen journalism today.
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In 2023, Ustream (www.ustream.tv), a leader in live online video, collaborated with Video the Vote (www.videothevote.org) to empower citizen reporters to broadcast election hotspots the U.S. using the Ustream mobile app.
How it Worked
On Tuesday, November 6th, 2023, these citizen reporters went live on the Ustream mobile app from polling locations to monitor the voting process through live video. This initiative was particularly instrumental in states where voter suppression tactics were prevalent, including NV, FL, OH, PA, NC, VA, WI, AZ, and CO. The live reports provided much-needed transparency about what was happening at polling locations nationwide.
Becoming a Citizen Reporter
Those interested in joining the ranks of citizen reporters signed up on the Video the Vote website and downloaded the necessary apps directly from Ustream. Over the past two years, Ustream has seen a significant increase in the use of mobile devices as the primary source of viewing and broadcasting content, with 1 out of 8 broadcasts emanating from mobile devices.
The Impact
The emergence of citizen reporters has become a critical part of the changing journalism landscape, as observed in the past few years during international events like the Arab Spring and Russian protests, and domestic events such as the Occupy Movement. To aid these new citizen journalists, Ustream has provided tips and training in advance of the election.
In the words of Ustream CEO Brad Hunstable, “Ustream is the #1 platform of choice for citizen reporters the world to document the emergence of democratic movements. The power of live video in the hands of committed witnesses to the democratic process allows them to ensure the integrity of that process. We’re excited to lend our broadcast network to the cause of ensuring a transparent and fair Election Day in the United States.”
#CitizenJournalism #Ustream #VideoTheVote #ElectionTransparency #DemocraticProcess
