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Credit: By Images_of_Money on Flickr. Some rights reserved.

When a big news story breaks, journalists often head to social media to find those involved and willing to speak about their experience.

As long as they ensure any eyewitnesses are safe, that precautions are taken to verify facts, and they ensure people actually own the photos and videos they've shared, this can be a great way to get sources in a matter of minutes.

Free tool Zello, a self-described 'walkie-talkie' app, is another way journalists may be able to connect with people involved in breaking stories, as explained in this article by Kristen Hare and Ren LaForme on Poynter.

They explain how users can join a public channel and listen in to people talking, and send images and messages from the scene they're in. For example, LaForme joined a channel where rescuers from the recent Texas floods were sharing names and addresses of people in need.

"Obviously I wouldn’t advise that journalists jump on here and muck up the messages from people who are trying to get help," he said.

"I'm sure some smart journalists will find ethical ways to use Zello in their reporting during this disaster, though – maybe it’s to find groups of survivors who are willing to talk about what they faced. Maybe it’s to find some of the heroic rescue efforts taking place out there."

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