John Smock to Help Develop Mobile Phone Apps for Citizen Journalists in the Arab World

  • By Newmark J-School Staff

John Smock
CUNY J-School photojournalism and interactive instructor John Smock is working with the International Center for Journalists, Small World News, The Guardian Project, and Free Press Unlimited to develop a package of open source interactive mobile phone apps and resources for citizen journalists and professionals throughout the Arab world. The Android-based app is designed to improve journalism standards and digital security.

The first phase of the project is focused on development of app content, which will cover topics such as the basic principles of journalism, photojournalism, video & audio production, and safeguarding a person’s identity online. Partner organizations in the Middle East and North Africa will distribute the apps. Online and classroom training will follow.

Smock has worked previously on media development projects in the Middle East, Cambodia, several former Soviet countries, and Afghanistan.