The Victorian BushFires 2009 (Part One) was the first Australian major news event where the public supplied nearly all of the most spectacular images and video and breaking news. The video and story of Sam The Koala's rescue being the most obvious, world famous example.
The professional news media were kept out of the most fire-savaged towns until it was all over. The images that so shocked and stunned and saddened us have mostly been taken by members of the public, and the quality of many photos and video has been excellent.
It's going to be grim seeing a pack of professional journalists picking up Walkely Awards for the Victorian BushFires 2009 (Part One), if all the 'citizen journalists' who supplied so much of the content get little or no recognition.
From a spectacular Readers Pics photo gallery in The Age :
Photo by Mulheiren Family
Photo By Hannah Phillips
Photo by Tina McCarthy
Photo by Steve Jameison
Let's hope all the major newspapers and TV news shows that have enjoyed huge audiences, and increased ad revenue, are digging deep for the Bushfire Relief charities, as few if any of the networks or daily newspapers paid for their readers pics and videos.
More Coverage Of The Victorian Bushfires From The Orstrahyun Here
Songs About "Fire" And "Burning" Banned Cut Australian Radio Playlists
Religious Extremist : "Baby Cull" Makes Angry God Burn Children To Death
Why Are We Supposed To Be Surprised That Australians Want To Help Each Other?
Mother Nature : Terrorist/Mass Murderer
