Media distribution network, associated program products, and methods of using the same

A media server, comprising:

• one or more non-transitory computer-readable memory devices upon which at least one set of instructions are stored;
• one or more processors electronically coupled with the one or more computer-readable memory devices to implement the at least one set of instructions;
• a request computer module electronically coupled with the media server for requesting data associated with media content from one or more remote user devices electronically coupled with the media server, the request computer module configured to initiate a request for media content, the request for media content comprising a transmission of a set of data to one or more remote user devices, the set of data comprising one or more criteria for transmitting media content, the one or more criteria comprising any one or more of a topic for requested media content, a title for requested media content, a location for requested media content, a creation date for requested media content, creation timeframe for requested media content, and a device type that captured requested media content, the request computer module further configured to initiate a live electronic connection between the media server and the one or more remote user devices, the live electronic connection comprising activation of a camera or microphone on the one or more remote user devices;
• an authentication computer module electronically coupled with the one or more non-transitory computer-readable memory devices for verifying one or more permissions associated with one or more units of media content received by the media server from the one or more remote user devices;
• a filtering computer module electronically coupled with the one or more non-transitory computer-readable memory devices for detecting whether any of the one or more criteria for transmitting media content have been met with respect to data associated with the media content received from the one or more remote user devices;
• a publishing computer module for transmitting by way of an internet connection, the data associated with media content received from the one or more remote user devices when the data associated with media content received from the one or more remote use devices has met the any of the one or more criteria for transmitting media content.