Synopsis Traditionally centralised news-gathering and distribution is being augmented but what's happening at the edges of increasingly ubiquitous networks. People are combining powerful technological tools and innovative ideas, fundamentally altering the nature of journalism in this new century. There are new possibilities for everyone in the process: Journalist, newsmaker and the active audience of news who isn't satisfied with today's product or who wants to make some news, too. The venerable profession of journalism finds itself at a rare moment in history where, for the first time, its hegemony as gatekeeper of the news is threatened by not just new technology and competitors but, potentially, by the audience it serves. Armed with easy-to-use web publishing tools, always -on connections and increasingly powerful mobile devices, the online audience has the means to become an active participant in the creation and dissemination of news and information. This book gives a very thorough overview to the modern trends in the media environment. It details the important considerations when exploring a collaborative effort between audience and media organizations. It will be an incredibly useful resource for media professionals, online communities, webbloggers, teachers, students, researchers and anyone who is serious about changing the media landscape and building the global audience.