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The question posed seems to include, in my view, at least a partial self answer.I believe it would be absolutely appropriate to make credentials available to bloggers and citizen journalist for a number of reasons such as;) "Opportunity" is by intention, a motivator and energizing glimpse of the future and pleasure it may bring. It intensifies, energizes, and focuses effort by those recognizing it's potential rewards for the diligent, accurate, and overall quality of effort. Therefore, I believe this access, rather than interfering with mainstream journalist, would actually create an "opportunity" for a renewed and elevated effort on their part, perhaps reinvigorating tired, even long past passions and dreams of the "opportunities" which motivated them. In the recent debates between candidates for president, the most interesting, by all accounts, have been those inviting citizen journalist to create their own video or other media offering. The creativity and earnestness of their efforts are clear and colorful, diligent and heartfelt. The citizen product has been anything but lacking in character or quality. Simply put, the "opportunity" to have a voice and presence ensured a successful participation, and did not lack the all critical ingredient of journalistic integrity.

Another reason to allow this access is mainstream journalism is becoming more and more inviting and inclusive of citizen journalist participation.An example would be the CNN i report format and content which is encouraged, solicited and growing in it's use. Also You Tube, and other media product training and competitions, such as Breakout Punditt etc.are rapidly evolving and being developed by "mainstream journalism professionals".Witness both domestically and internationally, the citizen products such as cell phone photos, messaging and video recordings which are at times our eyes into otherwise inaccesible places.I find it uplifting watching young Americans, journalistic enthusiast, submitting well thought out and staged media productions.

Finally, citizen journalist and blogger access would be an additional and encouraging step towards governmental transparency, and a step towards truly opening it's windows to those who provide it's revenue source,. it's "citizens".Imagine the energy, enthusiasm and potential such access would bring to a tired and long outdated exclusion.

Learn more about this author, Steve Chapman.
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