New app lets Uber drivers shoot breaking news footage

DUBAI: Ride-share drivers will soon be able to add being a citizen journalist to their resumes due to a new Australian app that allows them to shoot images and video of breaking news stories and send them into media companies.

NewsCar, the brainchild of veteran Australian TV journalist Adam Walters, is set to launch in the country this month, the Financial Review reported Wednesday.

The app allows news organizations to establish the proximity of drivers to news-worthy events, such as crime



scene, terror incidents or accidents.

Drivers can then shoot images or record video and upload the data to the news organizations in return for payment.

According to its website, NewsCar’s “First Response” service will be followed by “NewsCar Pro,” a feature which will help media outlets find the closest professional videographers.

NewsCar is set to roll out on Australia’s east coast on April 26 but the US, where it will launch in June, is set to be its main market.