https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884916686596 Journalism 1–19 © The Author(s) 2017 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1464884916686596 journals.sagepub.com/home/jou Conceptualizing citizen journalism: US news editors’ views Deborah S Chung University of Kentucky, USA Seungahn Nah University of Kentucky, USA Masahiro Yamamoto University at Albany – State University of New York, USA Abstract Based on a national survey and a qualitative content analysis of US daily news editors’ understanding of citizen journalism, we identify key ideas associated with the concept of Citizen Journalism Complexity. Patterns related to those dimensions that may impact editors’ conceptions of the phenomenon at the individual and organizational levels are examined. A total of 10 core ideas emerged in the aggregate discussion, but a majority of the participants defined the concept simplistically focusing on one- or two-dimensional definitions. Arguments from journalistic professionalism (occupational roles), audience engagement/collaboration (normative values), and behavioral practices are represented. This article discusses the extent to which citizen journalism is defined and guided by demographic variables, individual journalistic experience, and organizational characteristics. Keywords Citizen journalism, citizen journalism complexity (CJC), mixed methods, US daily newspaper editors, user-generated content (UGC) Corresponding author: Deborah S Chung, School of Journalism and Media, University of Kentucky, 215 Grehan Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0042, USA. Email: dchung@uky.edu 686596JOU 0 0 10.1177/1464884916686596JournalismChung et al. research-article 2016 Article