Last night, as the SuperBowl was being played, I saw part of the future of TV and Radio being played out. Thousands not only had their party at home but also joined each other in a kind of vast "Web Based Salon" on Twitter to share their fun. The Network had done nothing to help. But thousands had simply added to their enjoyment by participating with others - it must have been a bit like being at the game! OOOOOOOH and Dammmmmmmmm or What a catch!!!!!
This is an entirely different experience to merely watching. This is what is now happening at Bryant Park with Twitter as the hosts and the core listeners interact both on the show and after hours.
In the clip, I talk about this added dimension and power that the web can bring. This was my answer to Todd Mundt in this extract form a longer interview he had with me in Des Moines.
I think that the future of Public Radio and TV extends beyond making it easy to find content online - a real challenge already. Having an easy to use easy to find online content delivery system will I think merely be the starting point.
I believe that the "secret sauce" that Public Media has is Trust and that what will expand and keep attached your audience will be Participation. I think the private networks will find that building this trust will be much harder than for Public Media. For why should I as a private citizen work to build the profits of a commercial network. But I would love to help my local Public station.
What then about the trolls and the costs of letting everyone into my space? How do you get around these legitimate fears?
I believe that stations can add a "Salon" to their best shows and have the audience participate in that Salon both online and in person. For instance, what about a local Jane Austen Club in your city? For instance what about as in Columbus having a Foodie Club?
What we are seeing at BPP is that a core group of keen listeners are adding energy to both the hosts, the show and to other listeners.
You can design the Space to keep the trolls out and the costs down.
More later
