Field Messengers
Frequently Asked Questions
Every community has stories worth telling. Field Messengers help bring those stories to light by reporting from their own neighborhoods, cities, and countries. This FAQ will guide you through how to create, submit, and share your Field Messenger reports with UNN.
Getting Started
What is a Field Messenger?
A Field Messenger is a community contributor who creates and submits local news stories, people-focused stories, investigative reports, educational content, and inspiring stories to United Network News (UNN). Field Messengers help share real stories from their communities around the world. Watch Video
What is a Field Messenger report?
A Field Messenger Report is a short video news report or community story that highlights something newsworthy, educational, inspiring, meaningful, or important happening in your local area. Watch Video
Do I need journalism experience to become a Field Messenger?
No. You do not need any journalism, reporting, or media experience. Anyone with a smartphone and a story to share can become a Field Messenger. Watch Video
How do I become a Field Messenger?
Simply record a story using your smartphone and submit it through the Field Messenger mobile app or the online submission form on the United Network News website.
What Can I Report On?
What types of stories can I report?
You can report on a wide variety of topics, including:
Local news and community events
Educational stories
People-focused stories
Environmental issues
Local business and economic developments
Government and public policy topics
Community challenges and solutions
Cultural events and traditions
Inspiring people and organizations
Investigative and awareness-focused reporting
Can I report on positive news stories?
Yes. Positive news and solution-focused reporting are strongly encouraged. We believe communities deserve to hear about challenges and successes alike.
Can I investigate local issues?
Yes. Field Messengers are welcome to report on local concerns, community issues, and investigative topics that help inform the public.
Can I report from any country?
Yes. United Network News accepts Field Messenger reports from communities around the world.
Video Tips & Technical Requirements
Do I need professional video equipment?
No. A smartphone is all you need to create a Field Messenger Report.
What video settings should I use?
For the best results, record your report using:
1080p (Full HD) resolution
24 fps (or 30 fps if 24 fps isn't available)
You can usually adjust these settings in your phone's Camera app or Camera Settings. Look for options labeled Resolution, Video Size, Quality, or Frame Rate (FPS). If you're not sure where to find them, search online for your phone model followed by "video settings."
Should I record horizontally or vertically?
Landscape (horizontal) orientation is recommended because it works best for online video production.
Do I need to appear on camera?
No. You may tell your story through narration, interviews, and visuals without appearing on camera yourself. Watch Video
How long should my Field Messenger report be?
Reports should generally be between 1 and 10 minutes long once edited.
Can I use images or video from the internet?
No. All content must be original material that you created or recorded yourself.
Can I add text, captions, graphics or music?
No. Please submit clean images and video without added graphics, captions, logos, transitions, text overlays, or music. This allows the UNN production team to format the report consistently.
Who edits my Field Messenger report?
Please submit all raw files as recorded. The UNN production team will assemble and edit your story. If any details are needed or your story needs further development, the team will reach out to you directly with questions.
Submission Guidelines
How do I submit a Field Messenger report?
You can submit your report through:
The online submission form on the United Network News website
Where can I download the Field Messenger app?
The Field Messenger app is available for:
iPhone and iPad (Apple App Store)
Android devices (Google Play Store)
What type of files can I submit?
You may submit:
Video files
Audio recordings
Photos
Documents
Supporting materials
At least one video file is required for every submission.
What are the file upload and length limits?
You may upload up to 10 files per submission. The files must not exceed 15 minutes total for all files.
Will I be paid for my Field Messenger Report?
Not at this time. While submissions are not paid, Field Messengers may have opportunities for visibility through United Network News (UNN) platforms if their stories are selected for publication.
Who owns the content I submit to UNN?
By submitting a Field Messenger Report, you grant United Network News (UNN) permission to use, edit, and distribute your submitted material across our platforms, including all digital and social channels. This helps us share and publish your story.
You retain ownership of your original content.
Review & Publication Process
What happens after I submit my story?
The United Network News editorial team reviews all submissions. The team may contact you for additional information, interviews, video, or collaboration.
Will my report be published?
Not every submission is published. Selected Field Messenger reports may be edited for news production or published directly to the United Network News (UNN) app, or social media.
How will I be notified about my story status?
If your submission is selected, you will receive email notifications as your Field Messenger Report is reviewed, edited, and prepared for publication.
You will be notified when...
Your submission has been received
Your report is in review and editing
Your story has been approved for publication
Your report has been published
These updates let you track your story from submission to publication across United Network News (UNN).
Training & Support
Is Field Messenger training available?
Yes. Field Messenger training tips videos are available on the United Network News (UNN) website.
Are there Field Messenger meetings or training calls?
Yes. United Network News hosts weekly Field Messenger Zoom meetings where contributors can ask questions, learn reporting skills, receive feedback, and connect with fellow storytellers from around the world.
Is there a Field Messenger community?
Yes. Field Messengers can connect with other contributors through the UNN Telegram community and participate in weekly online meetings.
How can I contact the Field Messenger team?
For questions, support, or submission assistance, please use the Field Messenger online contact form on the United Network News (UNN) website.