A group of veteran broadcast journalists, including former CNN senior Asia correspondent and East-West Center alumnus Mike Chinoy, have launched a free online database to help reporters, producers and editors quickly find and screen credible experts who are interview-ready.

Experts listed on NewsCertified Exchange include former ambassadors, authors, policy analysts, top medical and legal specialists, and leaders in business, industry and education, with new profile pages being added frequently.

Along with Chinoy, NewsCertified Exchange was set up by other former CNN executives and correspondents, including Kathryn McManus, who launched and oversaw CNN Japan; veteran national correspondents Rusty Dornin and Kelli Arena; and former anchors Bobbie Battista and Judy Fortin. It was recently recognized by BusinessWeek.com as one of “America’s Most Promising Start-ups.”

NewsCertified’s team works with experts during customized training sessions using a set of 23 standards for interview “certification” developed in consultation with other journalists. Mastery of the standards enables the client to do print, radio and television interviews effectively.

Following the coaching session, NewsCertified staff work with the expert to create a digital profile that includes an interview video clip, biography, contact information and a story pitch. Clients can update their profile in reaction to breaking news or other developments in the news cycle.

While searching the NewsCertified directory costs nothing, the experts do pay a fee for their training session and listing. To search the directory, simply register free at www.newscertified.com and search the site as you would with Google.

For more information, contact Mike Chinoy, NCE’s vice president and managing director for Asia, at mike.chinoy@newscertified.com.