With all the work done around here the last couple of weeks I thought this might be of interest to all the new "community journalists" From Raw story;
February 10, 2005 â" Raw Story editors, along with several other independent progressive journalists and publications, will be launching the Open Source Press Association (OSPA) as an alternative to media agencies such as the Associated Press.
The OSPA will function on four levels: ethics in journalism, alternative press membership, networking and projects, resources, anti-smear council, and resources and distribution.
The Ethics in Journalism Board will vet journalists, publications, freelance writers and organizations for free membership, monitor unethical reporting, and present annual excellence in writing, reporting and publication awards. The board will be made up of founding publications, journalists, blogs, and organizational representatives that run the gamut of progressive press.
[snip] more:
The OSPA is designed to bypass the sometimes inaccurate and unquestioning reporting of the mainstream press. It is designed so that journalists like the late Gary Webb are able to find work; so that publications working hard to get the truth out are not silenced by financial burdens or smear campaigns. It is designed to allow for the true fourth estate â" the media - to be reborn in truth and founded in ethical principles, not corporate bottom lines.
Journalists, publications, and reporting organizations are welcome to submit statements of interest. OSPA hopes to begin credentialing membership organizations soon.
Contact Larisa Alexandrovna at larisawriting@gmail.com to express interest. The group will be setting up an autonomous website soon.
It seems like there might be something to this.