Sunday Driving with WXYZ-TV ABC Detroit's Stephen Clark

Stephen Clark is an Anchor for WXYZ-TV ABC Channel 7 in Detroit.
But if you think you know how TV news is being gathered, think again. Stephen has initiated a novel audience interactive program - the #Backchannel - using Twitter to communicate with his audience as he's putting together stories and during the newscasts themselves. The #Backchannel is an innovative feedback loop that might just change television news. And it has applications for News/Talk radio stations, as well as for personalities and teams who are bold enough to give the audience a seat at the table.

As if that's not enough Stephen is also one of us, or at least a very talented Country Music Singer and Songwriter. I recommend you check him out some of his music: http://sclarkwxyz.wordpress.com/
I had the honor of speaking at the Arbitron Conference/Jacobs Media Summit along with Stephen and today you have the opportunity to get to know him!

Nine North Records Larry Pareigis Slated to Speak at #BrandsConf

Behind the Brand is a Human Voice
by Jessica Northey

"At the receiving end of a brand experience is a connected, broadcast enabled, consumer. Opening your brand, being human, and the art of listen brings about a fundamental shift, and potential re-structuring of we, as marketers bring our brands to market." - #BrandsConf

December 2, 2010, New York, NY: @BrandsConf is a new event taking place at the 92Y that will explore the “Humanization of Brands” and the underlying effects this is having on business. For brands, agencies, and their clients, you will hear from creative, out-of-the-box thinkers in the tradition of Jeff Pulver’s #140Conf events. The conference will explore a range of topics from best practices to the legal issues to the natural conflict of personal and corporate branding.

The New Twitter

It occurred to me that Twitter has weaved its way into the very fabric of Multi Media content thus becoming content. It is evident now more than ever with new TV shows popping about popular Twitter pages like "$#*! My Dad Says" and "Shh Don't Tell Steve" that Twitter has found it's niche.

From Twitters Blog:

"Look at segments like Jimmy Fallon's Late Night hashtags, where Tweets from viewers aren't a gimmick; they're great content. Look at sites like the Huffington Post, where Tweets underscore and amplify the headlines whenever there's a big story brewing. Look at live shows like the VMAs, where Twitter came alive on a 95-foot-wide screen."

"With the launch of the new Twitter, the ways that media fits into Twitter.com are just as important. Whenever there's a new movie release, a TV show premiere, a big football game, or a breaking news story, people are talking about it on Twitter. With the new Twitter, they're seeing glimpses of it, too, because photos and videos are now presented as part of the core Twitter experience"

Twitter is a great place to uncover and discover new things and even test the water on new ideas. I have about 5 fledgling dot coms that I am working with and through Twitter I am able to determine level of interest and know where I should spend more time developing.

Earlier this month, Kevin Thau, Twitter's Vice President of business and corporate development made the distinction during a presentation at Nokia World 2010. According to Thau, Twitter is not a social network. It's for news, content and information.

In my humble opinion, Twitter is getting its second wind with the New Twitter. I am so blown away with the functionality and new experience that it provides. The New version has not been released to everyone, I have only had in a couple days. My friend Anita Nelson owner of ModelSupplies.com did a really nice blog post featuring the "New Twitter" and kindly agreed to let me share it in my Finger Candy Friday post.



THE NEW TWITTER by Anita Nelson

But like all new things, New Twitter is going to take a little getting used to. It’s kind of like rolling up on a new app for Twitter, you look around, reaching for the familiar areas. There are no familiar areas in the New Twitter. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I’ve had it for so short a time, I’ve yet to form an opinion, but I did take some screenshots to share since I know everyone is not so lucky to have it yet. Here is what we will be working with from now on…

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