CNN Reportedly Sues Man Who Gives Himself iReporter Credential

CNN is reportedly suing a man who claims to be one of its iReporters. If you're unfamiliar with iReport, it's CNN's citizen journalism site. This is a destination where regular people can submit news stories, and if CNN deems them worthy, they may pick them up for mainstream coverage. One such person has been going around giving himself titles like iReporter for CNN, and the news organization evidently doesn't like that.

Amra Tareen, CEO of Allvoices, which also blends citizen journalism with mainstream news coverage gave WebProNews the following statement on the matter:

"The world of journalism and news is changing before our eyes. As an industry, we are able to reach small villages around the world as well as untold stories right here in the U.S. But the sites that host these communities have to be smart and use the technology, editors and community they host, to separate the wheat from the chaff."

"We are empowering people to report for the nation and for the world – these contributors/reporters should be able to identify themselves as such and claim that title," adds Tareen. "It's up to the CNNs of the world to help readers understand what is legit and what is not, not rely on lawsuits to do the work."

The man CNN is reportedly suing is named Robert Paisola. His blog is titled "Robert Paisola: The Life of a CNN I Reporter". According to the Hollywood Reporter, he had a CNN logo on his Twitter account (though this is not present anymore), and has CNN in his Twitter bio (Hat Tip: BI).
Robert Paisola Twitter account - Includes CNN in bio

By Chris Crum

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