Contact  information for problems and suggestions:

For Technical Problems with Know The news: email feedback@edgedriven.com

For Comments, Complaints, Suggestions: knowthenews@linktv.org

What is this site for?

This is a learning tool that promotes media literacy.  

What are the minimum technical specifications for using these tools?

We recommend 

Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox browser 2.0, or Safari

Windows XP with 1 GB RAM, Vista with 2 GB RAM, or Mac OSX with 1 GB RAM

Processor speed 1.6 Ghz of higher

Flash version 9.0.124. (prompts for an update when needed.) 

For best performance close all other browser windows while using the Remixer.as other applications running Flash may slow down performance

What kind of connection is required? 

Know The News requires a broadband connection. Performance may lag with a downstream bitrate under 650kbps. 

What is the Remixer?

The Remixer is a mashup video editor that allows you to construct your own version of Global Pulse from the news clips provided.

How Do I use It?

There are instructions for the remixer on the application pages and under the Instructions Tab with links to more detailed instructions – or click here to open a new window with all the detailed instructions. 

What video formats does it use?

The video used here is all Flash video.

Why am I getting a window saying “Update Flash”?

Flash needs to update itself to version 9.0.124. Click to allow this. When completed it will will return you to the Remixer -- go ahead and do it.

What do I do if the the Remixer won't open?

A pop-up window leading to the Flash installer may not be working because of a pop-up blocker in you browser. You need to either turn off your pop-up browser for this site, or go directly to the Adobe Flash Player site  and download and install the latest version of the Flash player.

Why is my screen freezing? Why are there delays? Can I fix it?

Due to the way Flash works, there may always be a little delay for previews and playbacks. It is recommended that no other browser windows be open, as other applications running Flash may slow the Remixer down considerably. Often the Remixer will pause for a few moments – be patient. If your problems are consistent, you may be using a slow connection or have a small memory cache. Save your Workspace often; if all else fails, save and then restart your computer, which will clear your temporary memory.

Why can't I upload audio files like narration and music?

Little audio is required in these exercises, which use third party clips with built-in sound. Equipment for creating narration varies widely, so in the interest of a standard experience we have opted for a text based narration in lieu of a spoken narration. The ability to upload your own music and voice may be added to later versions.

Why does the Revert button do different things in different places?

The REVERT button usually reverts back to the very original news source clip, with the in and outpoint set to the ones you clipped. In Cutaway mode, Reverting wipes out all of the cutaways.

How do I save my work if I want to finish it later? /What is Save Workspace?

If you need to save your work and come back and finish it later, click on Save Workspace. This will save your work in progress, and when you re-open the remixer you will find everything just as you left it and can continue your work.

Do I have to be enrolled in a school to use this?

No. We work closely with a number of universities, and some features of the site are reserved for students of these institutions, but most features can be used by anyone. To use the Remixer, you will need to Register

What is Global Pulse?

The Know the News toolset lets you create your own version of Global Pulse or Latin Pulse. Global Pulse is a Link TV program that compares and contrasts global news coverage using television news reports from around the world. Each 4 minute episode looks at the news, the world and ourselves in a new way. See http://linktv.org/globalpulse

What is Latin Pulse?

Latin Pulse is a half-hour, bilingual English/Spanish news magazine that examines Latin American issues. Each program, broadcast with both English and Spanish subtitles, include live discussions including experts invited to Link TV's studios in San Francisco and Washington D.C. See http://linktv.org/latinpulse

What is Link TV?

Link TV is the first nationwide television channel dedicated to providing Americans with global perspectives on news, events and culture. The channel was launched in December 1999 on DIRECTV, and added to EchoStar's DISH Network a few weeks later. Currently, the channel is available as a basic service in over 29 million U.S. homes that receive direct broadcast satellite television (DBS). The DBS broadcast rights for Link TV were obtained under FCC guidelines requiring the DBS operators to allocate 4% of their channels for non-commercial public service programming.

LinkTV is operated by Link Media, Inc. a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed through a partnership between Internews Network, a leading supporter of independent television around the world, the Independent Television Service (ITVS), an experienced supplier of independently-produced programs for public television, and Internews Interactive (InterAct), a specialist in participatory TV programming.