Norwich-based KNS sells stories to national newspapers and magazines, and recently launched http://www.cash4yourstory.co.uk cash4yourstory.co.uk, inviting the public to submit their tales of romance, heartbreak and life-changing experiences.
This isn’t just celebrity kiss-and-tell, insists the agency, but a chance for the public to get their voice heard.
"Some people are intimidated by the thought of calling a national newspaper and, as news desks on newspapers are usually very busy, the best bit of the story can get lost if someone isn’t very succinct," said Jonathan Hartley, publicity agent for KNS.
"Some people are even intimidated when they call us - whereas we have the time to listen."
Many people don’t trust the media and feel more comfortable giving information through an online form, said Mr Hartley. Whistleblowers, in particular, are concerned that newspapers will not keep their identity anonymous.
KNS usually receives a story a day through the site. Recent eye-openers include an old people’s home that sent bodies to a morgue without proper certification, a father who became a mother and then won custody of her child and a kiss-and-tell involving a prominent pop star.
"We were looking to expand the site and bring in more stories, and we think we’re the first publicity agent in the UK to offer this kind of online service," Mr Hartley told dotJournalism.
KNS has paid as little as £100 and as much as £11,000 for stories but some contributors ask that the money is donated to charity.
KNS has been promoting the site on the London Underground and is set to launch a campaign on Manchester’s buses next month.
More news from dotJournalism:
'Outrageous' agency rates throttle news sites
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story862.shtml
Celebrity gossip blossoms online
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story640.shtml
News agency forced to host own web site
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story542.shtml
See also:
KNS: http://www.cash4yourstory.co.uk
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