Yesterday, a New York Times article announced that web video giant YouTube had signed up NPR, Politico, The Huffington Post, and The San Francisco Chronicle for "YouTube Direct", which is a program that uses a new method to manage video submissions from readers.
The article stated that the feature is a new way for users to upload videos and clips directly to news organizations for them to review and possibly highlight on their national broadcasts/publications. According to the web site's head of news and politics, YouTube is trying to "connect media organizations with citizen reporters," which isn't the first time a web site has attempted this, but is the first time a web site as big as YouTube has taken steps to promote amateur/citizen journalism and independent reporting.
The most recent nationally publicized events are the Elections that took place in Iran a few months ago and the protests that surrounded them. The world most likely would not have known what was really going on if it had not been for those who posted videos to YouTube and the news organizations who broadcasted the amateur clips.
I think this is another step in the right direction; it will allow independent journalism to flourish, it will give more power to the average citizen, and it will broaden the perspectives of world events. Certain companies might not like it because it may give the people more power but I think those companies should look at it as an opportunity to work with the very same people they are trying to get to watch their broadcasts.
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When I read the post on this story on another person's blog, I misunderstood; I thought that this was just another portal on YouTube's site for people to upload videos and clips, I didn't realize that they would be directly uploaded to news websites. I think this is really cool, as you said, giving a 'voice' to people, and allowing us to choose (somewhat) what we want to hear about in the news.
ReplyDeleteThis gives the article a whole new light! I think this is a even better article now! Another thing this article made me realize is that it is unbelievable they new innovative things companies are coming up with, and also how companies are realizing bringing two things people enjoy together just might work!
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