Mobile Voice: The Use of Mobile Phones in Citizen Media. An Exploration of Mobile Citizen Media Tools and Projects

摘要

With mobile phone subscriptions in the world nearing an estimated four billion at the end of 2008, There is an explosion of activity related to the use of mobile phones to access information, express opinions, and for producing and consuming media. There are many individual innovations and creative uses of existing mobile platforms. We are also seeing new applications that facilitate the generation and broadcasting of mobile content. Concurrently, mainstream media and broadcasting outlets are grappling with how the Internet and mobile technology impact media consumption and production. Traditional media organizations are starting to engage viewers, listeners, and readers who can contribute content through mobile and web-based platforms. Media organizations are also increasingly making content available for mobile devices. Additionally, mobile phones with more sophisticated and varied functionality and Internet access provide new interactive channels for a better informed and more active global society. In this report we explore the dynamics of the role of mobile phones in enhancing access to and creating information and citizen-produced media. We explore trends in the use of mobile telephony with a focus on software and platforms that make content creation and broadcasting easier. We also present an inventory of current and potential uses of mobile phones to promote citizen media and freedom of information, and present short case studies of examples. We further discuss security considerations that might impact citizen media and freedom of information. Finally, we describe some direction for medium-term media assistance and investments.