“Citizen journalism*,” which refers to content from non-professionals* that appears on blogs*, on-line forums and other platforms, is finding its way into newspapers and onto TV news programs.

Video examples include footage* of fires, storms, the Iraq war, July 2005 transport bombings in London and that year’s tsunami* in Asia.

A vivid recent example was the mobile phone video of Saddam Hussein’s hanging in Iraq — which shows that small phone cameras can have a huge impact even on world affairs. More and more global information sources, including Reuters wire service and Yahoo News, have begun to seek news videos and photos from ordinary people.

The companies are inviting the millions of digital camera and phone camera owners to send newsworthy* images. Yahoo last month created a column called You Witness News, where users upload* photos and videos of sporting and entertainment events. Local news may be added later.

Reuters this year will start selling pictures taken by non-professionals to thousands of professional subscribers* — including newspapers and broadcasters. Owners of commercially sold images will be paid.