YouTube has launched what it calls a "reporter channel" that is "specifically intended for citizens and professionals dedicated to informing others about the news and events in their local communities and around the world."
In a posting with an amusingly archaic headline, Hear ye, hear ye: calling all reporters, it urges people to put up eyewitness footage of local news and events (as they tend to do anyway, do they not?). The difference is that it will be tagged "reporter" and therefore be highlighted as such.
It also suggests that the channel could be used by students producing their own weekly newscasts, community members who conduct interviews with local leaders and "engaged citizens who love providing commentary and analysis on important issues affecting the world at large."
Oh yes, and it suggests that "professional journalists" could use YouTube as "an additional outlet for their work." That might prove interesting. Imagine responding to a news desk rejection by putting your video up on YouTube?
Anyway, a YouTube staffer, identified only as Olivia M, writes: "We look forward to welcoming a new fleet of reporters to the site, and don't forget to keep us posted on your best news content by emailing CitizenNews@youtube.com."
You can also see Olivia announcing the new channel here. She explains in detail what you need to do to upload to The Reporter.
