YouTube Launches Citizen News Channel

Google's YouTube is launching a Citizen News channel, highlighting the best news video on the site from around the world. "News on YouTube is huge," says Olivia Ma, YouTube's new news manager. "No longer do you have to be a seasoned journalist to make waves in the news."

I say: true that, Ma!

TrueStories4Hollywood

Today in my inbox, Toni Perling, one of the many guests I had on the Writers' Strike Chronicles podcast sent me the following announcement about a project entitled TrueStories4Hollywood that she's involved with:

The idea is simple - anyone can post a true story to be searched by prescreened and qualified writers, producers, reps and execs for option or sale. That would be you, Mr. or Ms. Industry Professional! It's FREE, as in no cost to you, as in nada dinero, to sign up and search as a Media Pro.

There are almost forty stories already up and available on the site for your perusal, and more are being added every day. I've already snatched up a couple for myself, as you can see below.

If you're a writer or producer who's already optioned a true story - mazel tov! The site is a perfect place to post as much or as little info about the story as you'd like on the site, including loglines, pictures, videos and links. The site normally charges $50 for a story posting, but we're offering a special family and friends discount of $50 - which means it's FREE! Just use the code JOURNALIST, all caps, when you check out.

And remember, you never have to worry about your story being stolen from the site. All of the Media Pro members who have been granted access are pre-screened, and detailed records are kept as to who accessed your story and when. Plus, if it's a true story, so you've got the rights. So I hope you'll check it out.

And please feel free to forward it to friends and family -- maybe a long-lost second cousin has a true story to tell -- and sell!

Regards,
Toni Perling