Citizen journalism and CNN meet online

Global - CNN Worldwide has launched a beta version of iReport.com, a progression of the network's successful iReport initiative which generated nearly 100,000 video, photo and text submissions to CNN.com since its launch 18 months ago.

A full-scale launch of iReport.com which is a user-generated community web site providing an open forum and a set of tools and applications to upload, share and discuss news is expected to happen in March. Contributors also may gain recognition by having the material they submit to the site - once vetted and approved for use - appear on a CNN network or CNN.com.

Visitors to iReport.com have access to content on the site and can create profile pages and submit audio, photos, video and text. Like many other social networking sites, users can connect with other iReporters who share similar interests. CNN does not censor or screen the site's content but there is a community guideline in place and the iReporters are responsible for content and have the power to flag potentially offensive material for review by a third-party moderator - a user that posts material which on three occasions has been flagged and then taken off the site will have their account disabled. Content creators also have the option to check a ‘discretion advised' box if they feel they are uploading a news valued yet sensitive story.