MTV to launch activism social network | Technology | Internet | Reuters

MTV to launch activism social network | Technology | Internet | Reuters: "MTV, which has a long history in stoking youth interest in political and social issues, aims to 'close the gap' between the high interest in activism among young people and the comparatively lower levels of action. An MTV poll last year showed some 80 percent of respondents said doing something to help the community was the right thing to do. But only 19 percent said they were 'very involved.' 'It's an issue of not knowing where to start,' MTV Vice President of Public Affairs Ian Rowe said. 'Global warming and genocide in Darfur issues are so huge it's overwhelming.'" Think.MTV

Newspapers Find Online Video Niche - 6/11/2007 - Broadcasting & Cable

Newspapers Find Online Video Niche - 6/11/2007 - Broadcasting & Cable: "In the race to capitalize on the popularity of broadband video, newspapers are continuing to take a page from TV stations’ playbooks by producing increasingly sophisticated newscasts and other Web programs. And although the newscasts may not pose a threat to stations’ ratings, newspaper executives are hoping they will help secure their lead over broadcasters in the battle for local ad revenues on the Web. Indeed, stations have been aggressive with their own online plays; last week, Hearst-Argyle Television announced a deal with Google to run local news on dedicated YouTube channels. But when it comes to online advertising, papers have the upper hand: According to a study from Borrell Associates, they control 36% of all locally spent, online advertising, well ahead of TV stations’ 7.7%. And although newspapers have long offered Web video, they are turning to newscasts to grow that online stake. The Roanoke Times offers a daily afternoon program produced in a new multimedia studio and control room. The Naples (Fla.) Daily News produces 30-minute daily “VODcasts” on its online channel, Studio 55. And Gannett’s Wilmington, Del.-based News Journal offers the twice-daily Delaware Online, which features a dedicated Web anchor. "

Study shows video playing big role for newspaper sites

Study shows video playing big role for newspaper sites: "Newspapers are increasingly mining video and multimedia to boost their online traffic, according to a recent study from The Bivings Group. The study said 92 percent of the largest 100 U.S. newspaper sites are offering video, a 31 percent jump from last year. Thirty-nine papers offer original video content, 26 use video streams from the Associated Press, 13 offer video content from local news outlets, four use all three technologies and 10 papers use a mixture of two different types of video, the study said. “While many industry experts fear that the Internet will spell the end of newspapers as we know them, [we feel] that the Internet presents newspapers with a unique opportunity to make up for lost circulation and readership,” said Erin Teeling, new media associate for the Washington, D.C.-based consultant."