I was just sent some information from a member of a MeetUp group I belong to here in New York dedicated to documentary, specifically nonfiction works without distribution. Based on the CurrentTV model, GroundReport TV is a news media outlet where people can file their stories, and make a bit of dough. Recently launched, this live-streaming online television channel is looking for filmmaker feedback on some distribution and pay models that make sense for everyone involved.

The channel acts as a grassroots citizens’ news portal that will share revenue with its contributors. Its mission is “to democratize the media and enable participation free of government censorship or financial restrictions.” Already, over 1,500 international contributors have posted 17,000 original news reports. The channel runs on a program called Mogulus, a groundbreaking video streaming platform that enables anyone with an internet connection and a camera to create a professional-grade television channel and broadcast live to the world.

As a promotional tool for showcasing documentaries without distribution, GroundReport is currently experimenting. Every week, a different documentary will be featured in heavy rotation and will include filmmaker profiles and other pertinent information for interested buyers. They are also happy to run trailers and/or excerpts of works-in-progress.

You can check out the Creative Commons-licensed site here. You can also email Rachel at info@groundreport.com for more information.