We're lucky to have them: Exploring the audience perspective on volunteer journalism

Volunteer Journalism (VJ) refers to journalism produced by organized community groups of non-professionals. It is distinct from traditional and citizen journalism, and its audience perspectives remain underexplored. This study examines how audiences of six VJ outlets engage with and perceive VJ based on 21 in-depth interviews conducted across Denmark, India, and the United States. Based on a thematic qualitative data analysis, the results reveal that participants perceive VJ as a unique type of journalism characterized by shared ownership, personal connections, and freedom from commercial pressures, providing functional, emotional, symbolic, and economic value. This research contributes to the broader understanding of journalism by highlighting how VJ meets hyper-local informational needs and provides an authentic, collaborative alternative to conventional journalism. The study's implications underscore the potential of VJ to supplement local journalism amidst the ongoing challenges faced by traditional media. However, challenges such as sustainability and reliance on volunteerism warrant further exploration. These findings enrich theoretical and practical discussions on the evolving roles of journalism in serving diverse audience needs.