YouTube tonight will test a new streaming video service, developed in partnership with Howcast, Next New Networks, Rocketboom and Young Hollywood.
While stressing in its corporate blog that this is only a test, the prospect of providing viewers with live streaming video, and giving them the opportunity to comment and interact with one another as the programming unfolds, could usher in a new era in television content development.
Imagine knowing what viewers were thinking about plot lines, characters, scripts, music, etc. as stories are unfolding? What could this mean for programs such as Lost or The Event (which many speculate could become the next Lost), Mad Men or daily soap operas (who’ve seen their audiences in decline).
For PR firms and our clients, it could offer a new way to deliver news conferences, particularly in times of crisis. All one needs in order to tap the new YouTube service is a YouTube account and a web cam (or a camera hooked to a computer via fire wire).
Imagine being able to deliver a live response and to direct the public directly to one’s YouTube channel, where a member of the marketing team could monitor and/or interact with the public as the event is unfolding?
Could something like this service work in favor of the BPs of the world the next time disaster strikes?
I’m hoping that tonight’s test is a huge success and I look forward to putting streaming video to work for my clients in the near future.
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch is written by Bill Patterson, president of Kansas City, Mo.-based Nation Ranch, a strategic consulting firm specializing in brand management, public relations and crisis communications.
