There's an awesome explainer/infographic post at Global Voices that breaks down "how the 700-plus members of our diverse, global and entirely virtual community pull together stories."
Each day, section leaders, editors and volunteer authors and translators "work together across borders, time zones and language barriers to amplify the best of citizen and social media, report on online freedom of expression and support others in joining the global conversation."
Full disclosure: I'm proud to serve as a board member of GV, and support the excellent, timely, and risk-taking journalism the organization enables throughout the world. I hope you'll consider donating this holiday charity season.