Independent Newspapers Inc., based in Eastern Michigan, will begin a citizen journalism programme for residents of Macomb County, Editor & Publisher reported Wednesday.

The Press has begun to receive regular contributions from citizens. At present, the group is fielding e-mails from interested citizens with the opportunity available to work on one of the Independent's publications including The Macomb Daily, and weeklies The Voice, The Armada Times, and the Advisor & Source Newspapers.

"They wanted to replicate some of the things they'd done at The Oakland Press (Journal Register daily based in Pontiac, Michigan), which has a really thriving citizen journalism program," Jeff Payne, editor at New Baltimore weekly paper The Voice, told E&P.

The contributing citizens selected will receive one day of training in late August or early September and will then be paired with a staff member.

"I really don't care if one person or 10 people get involved - if it improves our local news content, and means greater involvement with the community, it will be a success," Payne said, according to E&P.