Google launch free video hosting

Via Poynter Online I notice that Google have launched a beta version of a service where users can upload videos of any size and Google will host it for free. Google Video Upload Program allows you to charge whatever you want for users to download your videos.

Poynter writes:
“Another angle to consider is the effect this will have on news. If someone captures an incredible event with a camcorder, how many would be inclined to give it to a local news channel for free when they have a free micropayment system to sell it to a worldwide audience?”

Could mean a lot for the development of citizen journalism.