The Circuit

With video now becoming a standard cell phone feature, news outlets everywhere are encouraging viewers to send in their caught-on-camera shorts.  And they're getting stuff more compelling than those endless golfball-in-the-groin moments.

CNN's iReport has featured breaking news close-ups from amateurs in front of giant tornados, raging wild fires, and the MLB All Star Parade.  Now the channel is looking to assign "iReporters" to the 2008 Campaign.  They specifically want volunteers within each campaign to submit short videos to their new iReport Film Festival. 

Shorts that capture behind-the-scenes (our read: embarrassing) moments are encouraged.  Each iReporter gets a chance to win a trip to the Presidential inauguration and a new video camera. 

But budding correspondents would be wise to read the fine print.  The submission guidelines do address journalistic integrity, stipulating that the assignment not be undertaken on behalf of the candidate.  However, CNN gets worldwide, perpetual rights to the footage and the iReporter is responsible for getting legal clearances from anyone in the video.  And the day-rate for this outsourced reporting gig?  Zilch.