Reporters in need of a quick, reliable source can turn to an online search engine of experts.
Global Experts, a free resource connecting journalists to a database of vetted, knowledgeable sources, has attracted big-name users like Al Jazeera, the BBC and CNN.
Created by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in 2008, the site recently launched several new features.
Here are a few highlights:
Refined search engine
Especially helpful for stories dealing with cross-cultural issues, the database enables journalists to tailor their search by geographical specifications.
Search through 15 areas of expertise like international relations, human rights, religion, women's rights and more, or sift through more than 30 languages. You can also search by an expert's field of work or their location, if you have time for a sit-down interview.
Submit your own articles
Whether you're an expert source or a guest contributor, you can submit an article directly to the site for a chance at publication. Your analysis of a recent topic could end up syndicated in newspapers around the world.
Multimedia extras
The site features podcasts and video of experts discussing the latest global issues. Video topics include 100 questions about Islam and violence in Somalia, or check out podcasts on the burqa debate in France, an analysis of Aghan protests and more.
Stay tuned for the launch of Global Experts' mobile app in June 2012.