MAKING NEWS!!!

EVERYONE can make news!  EVERYONE has a story to tell!  And with today's tiny technology everyone is an editor, photographer, reporter.  The playing field has been leveled so have some fun.  Interview those around you, turn the camera on your friends and family, MAKE SOME NEWS!

Here at the Urban Media Center they are seizing today's opportunity.  They're teaching kids to do what I do.  They are teaching kids to be young journalists, photojournalists, videographers.  It's not about creating careers as much as it about giving young people the confidence to know their city and share their stories.   

Ana trains student

The Urban Media Center was founded by the professionals at Our Weekly LA, a publication aimed at the African Community.  Publisher Natalie Cole built a branch to inspire, encourage young people... AND offer an after-school place to call home in South LA.

Publisher Natalie Cole(left) & Urban Media Center team

Student shoots interview  

The Urban Media Center is backed by "The Good News Foundation."  KNBC's Ana Garcia gave some words of wisdom.  A student shoots KTLA's Wendy Burch as she interviews Urban Media Center founder Natalie Cole.   On this job, for this blog, I'm still photographer.  "The Good News Foundation" also includes Good Day LA's Dorothy Lucey and KCBS' Pat Harvey.  We got the cameras donated by Sony and a handful over other necessities for creating a community newscast.  LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Thanks to tiny toys and mini cams you too can create content... or just save some favorite family or friend moments!   Go ahead, make news!