WebProNews

Joanna Glasner of Wired News online reports that the Wikipedia has launched a demo of Wikinews ... an open source original news website

"Unlike Wikipedia, Wikinews will present original material rather than just compiling and summarizing information found elsewhere, according to the news site's organizers. For future submissions, organizers also want to set up a system for accrediting Wikinews reporters who have actively participated in the project."

In the article, noted blogologist Alex Halavais says that, as it matures, Wikinews won't resemble a mainstream news site and won't compete directly with established media outlets. Still, this site has major ramifications for the PR industry. Will anyone even dare venture to post their client news there?

Steve Rubel is a PR strategist with nearly 16 years of public relations, marketing, journalism and communications experience. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with Edelman, the largest independent global PR firm.He authors the Micro Persuasion weblog, which tracks how blogs and participatory journalism are changing the public relations practice.