A major challenge for legacy media is how to effectively use the content generated outside the news organization inside the tent. The smart use of user-generated content (UGC) is the focus of a new report from media and international development lecturer Martin Scott for the Commonwealth Broadcasters Association.

There is little in Scott's report that will surprise. It's a common sense series of guidelines and observations. It understands the challenges: legal, ethical, ones of accuracy and verification.

But it also understands the benefits: diversity, strengthening of typically weaker voices, and most importantly, conferring a competitive advantage on those organizations into UGC.

"The  benefits  of  using  UGC  extend  well  beyond  the  material  that  audiences  can  provide.  Using  UGC  can  help  strengthen  the  relationship  between  the  broadcaster  and  audience," the report notes.