TEHRAN, IRAN, June 20, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ — Citizen journalists from Demotix are defying the government crackdown on media and have faced arrest in order to file stunning street-level reports from Iran.
Despite government suppression, restricted bandwith, and internet blackouts, Demotix has nearly 30 contributors relentless filing stories every hour. Their coverage is visible at: http://www.demotix.com/iranelection
Demotix’s Iranian news hub has experienced a massive influx of traffic and garnered international attention for it’s ability to circumvent government censorship and vividly expose the crisis as it unfolds on the street.
The unprecedented use of these images is being heralded as a prime example of the power of Citizen Journalism at work. Demotix stories include:
-Tehran university dormitories in the aftermath of an attack on pro-Mousavi students there: http://www.demotix.com/news/tehran-university-after-brutal-attack-baseej-thugs
-Clashes between riot police and protestors: http://www.demotix.com/news/street-justice-iran
Andy Heath, Commissioning Editor for Demotix, said: “This reaffirms the importance of citizen-journalism to news audiences around the world. Street-reporters have their own set of constraints, not least lack of access to the internet in order to share their work. But in times of crisis, where foreign reporting is being curtailed, ground-level journalism is essential.”
Since Tuesday, June 16th, Turi Munthe, CEO of Demotix, has appeared on 11 media channels, including The Today Programme in the UK, BBC News (twice), and the BBC’s World Service. Demotix will also be featured in a Reuters television program dealing exclusively with Demotix’s role in the breaking news coming out of Iran (which will air late Thursday, GMT).
Mr. Munthe, said: “Citizen journalism is powerful and in demand. The images and stories Demotix street reporters file from Iran are being seen by 1000s of people and used by news outlets all over the world. And—as foreign correspondents are being blocked and expelled from the country—our contributors’ work becomes even more relevant and important.”
Continuing Citizen Journalism coverage of the Iranian crisis here: http://www.demotix.com/iranelection
About Demotix: Demotix is a citizen-journalism website and photo agency. It takes user-generated content (UGC) and photographs from freelance journalists and amateurs, and markets them to international audiences and the mainstream media. Demotix was founded with two principles at its heart – the freedom of speech and the freedom to know. Its objective is nothing if not ambitious – to rescue journalism and promote free expression by connecting independent journalists with the traditional media. Demotix now has over 5000 members, in 110 countries around the world from Afghanistan to Zambia.
Press Contact:
Zane Groshelle
The Creative Fountain
zane@thecreativefountain.com
http://www.thecreativefountain.com
