Facebook and Twitter have become supplements to a growing Bay Area media, (and other markets) that use them in their pursuit of an audience that has largely moved away from traditional media to get their news.
Truth is, for the most part, it doesn't work.
By and large, most people use Facebook as a sort of cyber community gathering spot, a virtual bar, if you will. They're not especially interested, for example, that there was a revolution in Egypt or that the president's press secretary will leave his post.
Mark Ramsey says it alot better than me, but as I gaze and listen to the various local radio and TV outlets, I'm beginning to fully observe how many of the broadcasters rely upon the sites as a means to try capturing some of their highly-coveted A25-54 demos.
Twitter is more conducive to the current media stream because it's more suited to the so-called "24/7", instantaneous news cycle, while Facebook is more of a cyber gathering spot.
They are independent locations. They have built independent brands, and as such they have their own identity. I've written extensively how, for example, KGO Radio, has begun an overt operation to ingrain Facebook into their news blocks, even mentioning them at the top of the hour ID, "This is KGO, SF, San Jose, Oakland, Facebook."
KGO is not alone; other radio stations are trying to tap into the Facebook arena, and local TV too. KRON even has a "Facebook presenter", (we're not going there, I'm trying to be serious now;) but again, the Facebook forum really doesn't work as a supplement to local news operations.
In fact, one could argue that these sites have made for a more artificial means of acquiring traditional news gathering. Granted, we're hovering in a 2.0 world soon to be 2.5 and 3.0 and so on, but the Facebook/Twitter conduit simply put shouldn't be the impetus behind the operation. Enhancement? Compliment, perhaps, but not the centerpiece.
The audience isn't there and even those that are there are too busy doing their own thing and could care less about what you, Mr. TV/radio/Internet has to offer.
*TIPS: Rich.Lieberman@Gmail.com (All confidentiality assured)
The kings and queens of social media belongs to that sinking ship 7live! The same three people who are watching get to have a useless post read on tv. Fun stuff! Ugh painful!
ReplyDeleteI disagree. 7Live gets it right. I like the show. It's unique and gives viewers like myself a chance to contribute to the content. I even got one of my tweets read on-air (I thought it was cool)!
ReplyDeleteI think the author of this blog has a bone to pick with the host Brian, that's why he bags on the show.
Go to KGO's website and there isn't even a Facebook link! That's how lame and confusing their site is. Advice to KGO: revamp your website before launching off into another universe that you don't understand.
ReplyDeleteI personally am not interest in becoming a member of the Facebook Community, because I like my privacy. But as of late a lot online Newpaper Outlets are making it manditory that you post your online comments through Facebook...
ReplyDeleteThe San Jose Mercury News has turned to this type of posting of comments through Fackbook, even though their Readership has overwhelmingly said, "WE DO NOT WANT TO COMMENT THROUGH OUR FACEBOOK, WE LIKE OUR ANONYMITY."
I'm just glad SFGATE has not resorted to this type of tactic, because if they do, I will NOT be commenting on SFGATE anymore
The asian girl on KRON who is their online "reporter" is a total waste of space. Nobody cares what is on Youtube or what video has gone viral. And she is not even good. She flubbs all of the time. I bet Pam secretly cringes at sharing the anchor desk with her!!
ReplyDeleteSorry. I got sidetracked. My point is that nobody watching the news at night cares that you can get a live feed on your facebook status from KRON or any other station for that matter. Tweeting a news station my opinion for them to read is NOT JOURNALISM. Isn't the news supposed to be just the facts?