Typhoon Morakot and Citizen Journalism Platform “PeoPo”

Gwo- Hwa Ho, Public Television Service Foundation Director of News Dept.

In April 2007, this ideal was furthered with the establishment of the PeoPo Citizen Journalism Platform (www.peopo.org). PeoPo is a friendly web2.0 platform made available for Taiwanese citizens and organizations to make their voices heard and express active concern for important issues. PeoPo has become a diverse platform that allows direct supervision by citizens and direct participation in environmental and other topics.

PeoPo currently numbers 3,412 citizen reporters and 180 non-profit organizations. Together they have generated over 32,816 articles to date, including 14,877 original multimedia works of great topical interest and conveying a grass-roots perspective.

In addition to the web-based platform, PeoPo also provided many other activities and services. For example, one day before Typhoon Morakot wrought havoc in southern Taiwan Aug. 8, 2009, killing more than 700 people and causing widespread devastation, several citizen reporters around the island had already alerted the public about the incredible volume of rain brought by what turned out to be the worst typhoon in 50 years. The news was widely quoted by newspapers and TV channels. This citizen reporter was the first to alert the public to the severe
damage caused by Typhoon Morakot, hours before the government came to realize
the magnitude of the disaster

In 2009, as PeoPo matured, it attracted increasing notice from media research organizations at home and abroad. For example, over 1000 PeoPo articles were cited or adapted by TBS news channels during the year. Further, Taiwanese civic organizations such as Taiwan Media Watch, Community Empowering Society, and community colleges allied with PeoPo’s approach have initiated related discussion topics, flexing the muscle of grass-roots media and demonstrating the impact of the civil society.

As the first application of new media in Taiwan that focuses on citizen journalism, PeoPo is a rare example even on an international level. PeoPo has become synonymous with citizen journalism, and has been the focus of intense international media attention regarding Taiwan’s media.