Yahoo launches citizen journalism site
December 7th, 2006
How does the face of journalism change when cell phone cameras and small video camera devices become ubiquitous? Instead of the appointed few recording breaking news, we have the eyes of the masses, each equipped with the necessary gear for grassroots journalism. Following in the footsteps of CNN’s I-Report, which allows users to upload video, audio, or photos, comes the more sophisticated You Witness News from Yahoo.
YouTube has already proven the ability for average people to present compelling news stories. Both the UCLA tazing incident and Michael Richard’s racial outbreak were documented by bystanders and first broadcast via YouTube.
You First News allows users to upload photos and videos and have them considered for use in articles on Yahoo News. The primary content on the site right now are a few videos and articles providing tips for citizen journalism. You First News’ stance is that you don’t need fancy equipment or knowledge to capture news–simply being at the right place at the right time, and having an inquisitive mind will suffice.
It’s great to see Yahoo forging ahead in grassroots journalism. You First News may become the outlet for citizen news breaking videos, rather than YouTube, which is a more general video site. Right now, users won’t be paid for content that is shown on Yahoo News. However, if their content gets distributed to Reuters, they will be compensated.
How does the face of journalism change when cell phone cameras and small video camera devices become ubiquitous? Instead of the appointed few recording breaking news, we have the eyes of the masses, each equipped with the necessary gear for grassroots journalism. Following in the footsteps of CNN’s I-Report, which allows users to upload video, audio, or photos, comes the more sophisticated You Witness News from Yahoo.
YouTube has already proven the ability for average people to present compelling news stories. Both the UCLA tazing incident and Michael Richard’s racial outbreak were documented by bystanders and first broadcast via YouTube.
You First News allows users to upload photos and videos and have them considered for use in articles on Yahoo News. The primary content on the site right now are a few videos and articles providing tips for citizen journalism. You First News’ stance is that you don’t need fancy equipment or knowledge to capture news–simply being at the right place at the right time, and having an inquisitive mind will suffice.
It’s great to see Yahoo forging ahead in grassroots journalism. You First News may become the outlet for citizen news breaking videos, rather than YouTube, which is a more general video site. Right now, users won’t be paid for content that is shown on Yahoo News. However, if their content gets distributed to Reuters, they will be compensated.
