Bowen and Grammaticas, and why UGC will never replace journalists

Dave / 28th March 2011

You don’t have to cast your mind back too far to remember a time when some highly-respected editors would proudly state they don’t have time for UGC and that they don’t see the point of Twitter — as if by doing so they’re making some sort of impressive stand for quality.

But now, it’s changing. UGC started off being ignored (“They’re not journalists”). Then, it was in exceptional circumstances (“The only footage with have from July 7 is on this guy’s mobile.”). Then, it was an added bonus (“Hey! We’ve got some UGC, do you want to put it on the end of your package?”).

It’s now seen as one of the most important news-gathering tools in a journalist’s arsenal.

Yet, you still need the journalist, and here’s two brilliant examples why.

First – the lead report from last Friday’s News at Ten from the BBC’s Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen. Spot the difference between the sequences of rushes here:

Did you get it? Without UGC, the only pictures Jeremy Bowen would have had were pro-government footage, or stock tape of the presidential palace. It wouldn’t do. Thanks to UGC, he can make a great report.

But it still takes massive skill – which is why despite how easy it is for citizen journos to file form the field, we needn’t worry for our jobs. It still needs curation, insight and analysis – otherwise it’s just a jumble of choppy, unverified clips.

And above that – you need to be a great story teller.

This stunning package – the most moving I’ve seen this year – by Damian Grammaticas displays that most precious of journalistic talents. By taking one small story about one family’s search for their father and husband, Grammaticas is simultaneously showing us the bigger picture. No amount of UGC could ever replace the sheer craftsmanship of this clip – and Huw Edwards’ expression at the end says it all.

UGC is a gift which helps, not threatens, us.