CNN + user gen = "News to Me"

CNN is debuting "News to Me" on Saturday, May 19 at 12:30pm. They claim, according to their press release, that this is the "first cable news program comprised of user-generated video." Apparently they've never heard of (or prefer to ignore) Current TV which is a cable news channel consisting ENTIRELY of user gen content. While CNN, its competitors, and other traditional media outlets, including the NYT, have widely accepted amateur video as relevant for almost a year now (Virginia Tech anyone?) this is still a significant story. I feel that previously CNN and the like saw user gen as a necessary evil in order to get the most sensational and behind the scenes footage. I see "News to Me" as an opportunity to get reports on mainstream news stories from the perspective of correspondents who didn't just step off the red eye an hour ago. This is not a novel concept, its the entire idea behind Current, but its good to see an outlet as mainstream as CNN embracing it.

Users can submit reports through the “Send Your I-Report” link on CNN.com or by emailing it to ireport@cnn.com

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