YouTube runs news feed feature tests

Posted by Savita Sauvin on June 15, 2010 at 1:02 PM

YouTube is testing a new feature, called the YouTube News Feed, in collaboration with the University of California at Berkley's Graduate School of Journalism, according to an announcement by the company, WebProNews.com reported yesterday.

The news feeds will appear on the company's news and politics video blog, CitizenTube, and will feature news videos and latest uploads on YouTube, along with strong visuals from non-traditional sources. Video updates will be posted to the CitizenTube Twitter account as well.

"Whether it's an altercation between a Congressman and a student in Washington, D.C., violent attacks against ethnic minorities in Kyrgyzstan, or oil washing up on a beach in the Gulf Coast, videos uploaded to YouTube by both amateur reporters and professional journalists move through the media ecosystem with a sophistication and speed greater than ever before," Steve Grove, YouTube Head of News & Politics told WebProNews.com.

While maintaining its focus on non-traditional sources, the company is increasingly gaining a prominent place in the news media. On successful completion of tests, this new feature may take a step toward being a major news destination.