Why Broadcasters Want YOUR Camcorder Footage

The television revolution changed the way Americans view the world. Now the camcorder is making that view much more personal. From reality-based shows like Real TV and America's Funniest Home Videos, to powerful personal moments captured for programs like MTV's Unfiltered, Americans are more involved than ever in creating television in their own image. And while this brave new world has made it virtually impossible to be naked in your own home, or to fall down without the indignity of millions watching, it has also redefined television entertainment and news in a way only Americans can--by taking charge of the camera.

Real Entertainment
Going into its ninth season, America's Funniest Home Videos is the cornerstone of viewer-created television. Producer Barbara Bernstein says what makes the show a hit with viewers and videographers is accessibility.

"I think that this show has had a tremendous influence on the prevalence of camcorders," Bernstein says. "I think of our show as a public access show. You shoot something in the kitchen with your kid. You send it in to our show. And it could very directly get on television. There are not a whole lot of middlemen in that proce…