Nov 12, 2009 12:24 pm US/Pacific
Community Journalist FAQs
(CBS)
The following are the most frequently asked questions that we receive regarding our Community Journalist program.
Q: What is a NewsCentral Community Journalist?
A: A community journalist can be anybody who has the ability and interest needed to cover news events in their local community.
Q: How do I become a NewsCentral Community Journalist?
A: Go to
cbs2.com/cj and fill out the form. Once we verify your information and get you registered, you'll receive the information you need to submit stories.
Q: What does a CJ make?
A: We pay $50 for each story we use, regardless of where and how many times we use it
Q: Should I include myself in the story?
A: No. We can't air first-person accounts, stories with "standups" to camera, and so on. If we use your story, it will be read by one of our anchors.
Q: What materials do I need to send when I submit a story?
A: A "5W's" form, available on our website and the video/audio file. We'll give you a CJ number to help keep the different parts together.
Q: Do I have to edit my video?
A: No, but you will be sending it to us over the Internet, and that means it might take a long time. If you know how to edit, you can include only the important footage and save everybody time.
Q: What format video files do you want?
A: We can use virtually any type of full screen video format. Unless you shot an unexpected event, we would rather not get cellphone video. iPhone video is OK, but only if you shoot it holding the camera horizontally.
Q: How do I send my video and how do I know you got it?
A: Once you're registered, we will send you a logon and instructions for our FTP (File Transfer Protocol) site. When you have a story ready for us, you upload it and fill out the web form. When we're sure we have the file, we'll send you an email saying we got it. Within two working days after that, we'll send you an email to let you know if we're going to buy it. If we don't buy it, we will erase the file.
Q: What kind of stories are you looking for?
A: Stories about your community suitable for a general audience… breaking news, local events, unique people who live in your area, even problems that need solving.
Q: What kind of stories are you not looking for?
A: Stories that contain unfounded accusations, insult individuals or groups, stories that are partisan in tone or content, stories that are too sexy or profane for a general audience, stories that sell products or services.
Q: Should I get a police press pass?
A: No. The police will probably not issue you one, and we do not want you to put yourself in harm's way doing stories for us.
Q: Do Community Journalists work for NewsCentral?
A: No. You decide on your own stories, you shoot, write, and submit them on your own schedule. Your only connection with NewsCentral is a business relationship: you offer your stories for sale and NewsCentral buys those that fit our needs.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Sign Up To Be A NewsCentral Community Journalist
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