Journalists and editors will soon be given access to Google Wave, a free online tool that will provide users with a real time communication and collaboration environment.

Google Wave, currently in the testing phase, will enable users to discuss and work together using richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more, making it easy to collaborate on articles and projects. The transparent virtual community will also allow readers to view and comment on articles being written.

In essence, an audience may influence a story as it is being written, thus changing the fundamental notion of journalism. (For more on how Google Wave has the potential to transform journalism, click here.)

Google sent out 100,000 invitations for preview of Google Wave last week, and the tool is due for release shortly.

For more information, click here.