Time's 'Person of the Year': The Protester

"The Protester" has been named Time's "Person of the Year" for 2011.

The magazine cited dissent across the Middle East that has spread to Europe and to the United States and said these protesters are reshaping global politics and "redefining people power" around the world.

The selection was announced Wednesday on NBC's "The Today Show."

Time's "Person of the Year" is the person or thing that the magazine feels has most influenced the culture and the news during the past year, for good or for ill.

Other previous winners have included Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Bono. -- AP