MUMBAI: With the launch of CNN-IBN, the English news channel had brought in a new initiative of empowering ordinary citizen through the show Citizen Journalism. The new sibling Channel 7 is all set to follow the path taken by the big brother by launching Citizen Journalist.

The show Citizen Journalist encourages the viewers to document in pictures or videos, anything around them that should be brought to the nation's notice. The most relevant reports sent will be aired on the channel, duly crediting the viewer, informs an official release.

Citizens can report on news items of importance across the country by sending in a MMS to 2622, SMS CJ (Story) to 2622 or by calling Channel 7's help-line at 0120-2515340. Citizen Journalists may also e-mail their stories to [email protected] or even post their stories on www.ibnlive.com.

Citizen Journalist, the initiative started by CNN-IBN and has over 2000 stories in its bank within just six months. Channel 7 managing editor Ashutosh says, "We at Channel 7 endeavour to infuse our mission statement 'Khabar Har Keemat Par' in every individual's life, and 'Citizen Journalist' an ideal route to capture it. This initiative by CNN-IBN is exemplary and laudable. We are confident that Channel 7 will also receive an encouraging response and attain similar success."

CNN-IBN and Channel 7 editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai said, "Citizen Journalist is an idea whose time has come. It's a way of engaging the viewer, of making him/her an active participant in the process of newsgathering, of making television news truly interactive. The big idea is to build a citizenry that is engaged with public life."

Earlier this year, the management of Channel7 changed hands. The channel also relaunched on 5 June with a new on-air look and a tag line to boot - 'Khabar, Har Keemat Par' (News, No matter what the cost).