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A newspaper without paid reporters?

As the WSJ reports today that the proprietor of the LA Times is about to seek bankruptcy protection, is this report on The Guardian the way to go if newspapers want to stay "alive?:

"Germany's bestselling newspaper is looking to expand without the expense of actually hiring new reporters.

Bild has joined up with discount supermarket chain Lidl to sell a basic digital camera to a legion of citizen journalists, who the tabloid hopes will contribute images to its coverage.

"We can't cover everything," said Michael Paustian, a Bild managing editor. "We think it is an advance for journalism."

The pocket-sized camera has 2GB of memory, can shoot still pictures and video, and costs €69.99 (£60). It comes with software and a USB port that allows "reader-reporters" to upload content directly to editors who will be assigned to review it for publication.

Bild spokesman Tobias Fröhlich said the goal was to encourage camera owners to seek the widest exposure for their work. "It's not about exclusivity," he said.

The move fits in with a broader trend for traditional media to turn their increasingly interactive readers into news providers."

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