eJ does eJournalism

Social media gave journalists another reason to look up from the grind last week. In a field that changes pretty quickly these days, YouTube added another catalyst to the mix.

YouTube introduced technology for users to create their own CNN-type “iReports.” If you’re not familiar, iReports allow people to upload videos from their cell phones or cameras in order to get real time broadcasts from anyone with the means to create them… not to mention possess the desire to self-publish. This new way to find the news was integral to the world discovering the disastrous protests in Iran during the 2009 election.

How does it work?

YouTube Direct allows news organizations to put a “post video” link on their websites where citizen journalists could directly upload their news stories. Said videos would then be subject to an internal screening process. Once approved, the videos would be up and running on YouTube and on the news site.

Why is this SO exciting?

This is a great way for news organizations to experiment with social media. Not only does it enable them to move to a two-way street of communication without the technological hassle, but it also gives them the control to post only the legitimate content.

With budgets and profits simultaneously falling, traditional media needs a new way to get people out in the field to capture the news as it happens. This is a cheap way to experiment on the journey from 1.0 to 2.0.

Check out the instructions here: