7 Does Open-Source UGC

[BTVNadmin]

ow.ly/D146

7 has partnered with YouTube to allow its viewers to submit stories directly to them through YouTube and their own website interface. This can apparently be done through a portal at youtube.com/direct. Insiders tell me the facility will be used for its already-established "Viewer Voices" segment, but may expand to fulfill a wider purpose. All of this will lead up to their site relaunch, scheduled for a few weeks' time, as they prepare to compete with an independent NBC Boston web entity.

So what do you think? Is such expansion a valuable necessity as we enter a new decade or does it devalue the primacy of professional journalism?

Personally, I'll reserve judgment until I can figure out whether it's coming at the expense of the reporting talents of the likes of Byron, Vicki and Dan.

[mvjournalist]

The addition of the social networking sites to the news operations of these stations, allows for interactive participation by the viewership. This is a great tool to a degree, and I will stress "to a degree."

Now looking at this from the view of Mr. Ansin looking to ramp up his news operations to go against a n independent NBC web entity, it does devalue the use of reporters including the seasoned veterans who have been with the station for quite a long time.

Sometimes too much of one thing can either water down your value or even worse strive for more failure. What needs to be done here is remove the flashy SVN-like promos and cg, offer a far more serious news format. Then integrate the social networking sites (Myspace, Face book, Twitter, etc.) for viewership participation.

The addition f this Youtube interface just adds to the fluff and more of a reason to look elsewhere for news, weather and sports.

[newser]

All of the social networking sites are somewhat good for marketing, but ultimately, viewers for news want good stories and all of the "we're your friend, you're our friend" stuff doesn't make for a better product. The video interface can be good at getting some video content that a viewer recorded and that is a meaningful tool that other stations have been doing. It's certainly great in a pinch on some stories... especially in an era when so many people are adept at pulling out their phone or camera and capturing the moment. 7 is bigger at the social networking/Skype feedback than any of the other stations, and if we are to judge from the numbers for younger audiences, it doesn't seem to be helping much. But, the things can be great tools when used smartly.

[kvn]

Well what do you really expect today. You watch the news,and there is a story, and then " for more on this story, go to our web site." And while you are there, check out Facebook or Tweeter or whatever else is the flavor of the day site to see all the help spout out about their innermost wonderings. This deflection allows more time for the rug commercials....