YouTube takes viewers to war
The power of video-sharing site YouTube to reach international audiences and to quickly turn citizens into journalists was illustrated Wednesday.
As part of a story about what was being shared online by people affected by the conflict in Israel and Lebanon, cable broadcaster CNN showed three clips that have been posted to YouTube by people who witnessed the fighting, said Jennifer Martin, a CNN spokeswoman.
On YouTube, one can find large numbers of clips showing carnage being suffered on both sides of the conflict.
Indeed, YouTube has become a depository of footage on fighting in Iraq, Lebanon and Chechnya. Because much of the video was taken by combatants, the material often offers a clearer picture of what's happening on the ground at war zones than broadcast news has. Be advised: Much of the material also includes scenes of graphic violence and death.
Martin said that CNN, which has legions of cameramen and reporters covering the war, has used YouTube videos in the past, typically to illustrate the point of view of everyday citizens.
Greg Sandoval covers media and digital entertainment for CNET News. He is a former reporter for The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. E-mail Greg, or follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sandoCNET. 
