YouTube may be trying to shed its image as a home for user-generated videos, but it turns out there's actually real hidden value in those videos, as a syndicated TV program called "RightThisMinute" is proving. Already airing in 47 markets around the U.S., RightThisMinute mines the web for undiscovered video gems, tracks down their creators and tells the stories behind them, all from its newsroom in Phoenix.

The program is the brainchild of Phil Alvidrez of MagicDust Television, who I interviewed at the recent NATPE conference. Phil explained how his background in local news gave him the insight to tap into the "newsroom of the world" which is what the Internet has become. RightThisMinute is co-produced with Cox Media Group, Raycom Media and E.W. Scripps and at NATPE the program selected MGM as its syndication partner.