While traditional journalists are laid off and Larry King turns to blogging, changes to media can be seen everywhere. As major companies and news organizations move to the internet, what changes are occurring in the recognition of social media? Very few.

Recently, VANOC proved this fact; denying local blog networks access to the World Press Briefing—where Olympic coverage logistics are discussed in secret. In response to this, Raincity Studios wrote an open letter to VANOC (which is mentioned in today's Vancouver Sun). The letter explains that many social media journalists are not looking for extensive event coverage, but would rather delve into the cultural stories focussed on athletes, their families their fans." It requests that VANOC recognize established blogs and other citizen journalists by providing access to the next press briefing.

VANOC's recognition of social media networks would be a large step in the right direction for a new model of news (which Beyond Robson is a part of). While we await VANOC's official response to the open letter, please share your thoughts via comments and the poll after the jump.

Photo by Jay Black (aka The Blackbird).