Having been focused on RSS-based tools for the last few years, I often take a few minutes during a presentation or meeting to discuss what the acronym really means.  Anyway you go about it, when you call it Real Simple Syndication, you can’t help but wonder who named the technology that, because for most it’s anything but simple.  Actually, it’s not so much the fault of the technology, but rather the implementation in its earlier days, which often forced users to see a screen full of funky looking code if they didn’t have the right software.

However, despite poor implementation, which was probably pre-mature for the general public, RSS is quite a powerful tool.  Now, if you’re reading this and haven’t quite figured it out yet here’s my definition – RSS is a dynamic bookmark.  So whereas we used to bookmark a site that we liked, one would have to proactively re-visit the website and manually browse for updates, with RSS those newest updates are simply pushed to the platform of your choice.  That could mean you get the latest news, updates, or stories via a customized Portal such as My Yahoo, iGoogle, or via any number of desktop based programs.

The irony with RSS is that perhaps some of its benefactors, such as Podcasting, have actually faired better and become more mainstream than RSS itself.  Well, now enter Google, who purchased Blogger (See Story) in 2003, and it looks like they have a solution, which will very simply rebrand RSS and make it more useful for the general public.  As ReadWriteWeb points out, perhaps taking the lead from sites like Twitter and Facebook, Google will soon rebrand and introduce the “Follow” feature to make it easier for web audiences to do just that follow their favorite blogs.

For a technology that we’re certainly familiar with here, this is a story that we’ll certainly continue to Follow here on The MediaBackpage.

On the Web:

Read, Write, Web - http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_moves_to_mainstream_rss_with_a_simple_name_change.php

Posted by Jason at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The interaction between the Web, and its ability to deliver video, and television continues to grow, and change.  In many respects, the web is beginning to alter the program development & production cycles for the networks and cable outlets. 

Initially, the web was viewed by many as an outlet for additional content from television an avenue to deliver out-takes, mini-programs, and trailers.  However, with the web’s maturity, these same organizations are now seeing the true value of the web as a delivery mechanism that allows them to find new talent, test programs, measure success, and avoid many of the traditional barriers associated with television programming.

Perhaps, the most black and white example to date comes with NBC’s announcement that the network will preview Jimmy Fallon’s new late night program via 5 or 10 minute minisodes prior to his network debut early next year, when Falon is scheduled to takeover for Conan O’Brien, as O’Brien shifts to the Tonight Show at the same time.

Rather than leave Mr. Fallon to find his rhythm on the air, at the expense of the Network audience, and the show’s sponsors, this approach will allow him to ease into the new role at his own pace, without the concern of censors, and the pressures of filling an hour program every evening.  Instead, this new venue will allow him to slowly introduce himself to audiences on-demand via the web, and familiarize himself with the show’s format, all while allow viewers to get an early glimpse into what Late Night will look like next Spring.

What will it be next, Web Videos on Tape, on TV?

On the web: New York Times

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In today’s ever changing and complex media landscape it is my belief that our audiences increasingly have very unique and different media habits.  That said, it makes communicating for both traditional outlets, as well as organizations somewhat more challenging and more avenues are needed to reach the same audiences that used to be accessible via traditional methods.  However, while in many instances we’re talking about delivering content in an entirely new formation, I think that there are some largely untapped methods for using new venues to deliver traditional content.  Specifically, there’s a little known fact that RSS/Podcasting technology can allow for the delivery of PDF documents to subscribers.

So, here’s my request/recommendation/gripe; call it what you want but I think it is simple and would allow newspapers to benefit from these new tools.  I want my daily paper delivered as a PDF via an RSS feed, which can mean getting the paper delivered through iTunes, or on my customized homepage.  Now before you say I’m crazy, just hear me out because in part, I think that despite the advances we’ve made with the web and the delivery of content in general this would largely allow newspapers to preserve the traditional experience that they are synonymous with in the online world.  This tactic would create an additional distribution vehicle for newspapers, which would potentially allow them to recoup some of the eyeballs that they have lost in the past few years.  In turn this would create another vehicle advertisers, which would be measurable, and perhaps best of all this strategy would come at relatively low cost for most news organizations, as it would simply be further leveraging the newsroom’s existing efforts.

Certainly, I recognize that this might not be the next big thing on the Internet, and it isn’t exactly Newspapers 2.0, however for me there is just something about being able to experience the morning paper in a more traditional layout.  Now excuse me, I have to go read the sports page and the funnies!

Posted by Jason at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It turns out AOL's new "free" service comes at a price. You may have noticed earlier this week, as e-mails from AOL.com subscribers started coming with a two-line promotional tag. Now, Adotas confirms that AOL has adopted this new strategy to alert their own subscribers, and of course those they correspond with about the many features available through the company's portal.

The two-line promotional message shouldn't really disturb too many, especially considering other major services such as Yahoo! and Hotmail have used this strategy for years. However, as AOL and other similar online services continue to look for new venues to monetize this does beg the question as to what's next? With this, might the idea of adding a graphical advertisement to the bottom of e-mails be far behind?

Posted by Jason at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the connection between the democratic environment of the online world in terms of the blogsphere and the podcast community and what the implication is for US politics.  Certainly, new tools such as podcasts, blogs, and RSS feeds would allow any political office, campaign, and related organizations to directly reach out to their constituents and speak directly and candidly about any number of topics and positions. 

Think about it - in an environment where Americans are changing their media consumption habits - the evening network news is no longer the focal point for informing Americans - nor is the New York Times.  Instead, citizens are turning to new venues including blogs, podcasts, and custom media aggregators such as My Yahoo, My AOL, Google Base all of which are powered by RSS feeds.  With that in mind, it would behoove local, regional, and national candidates and political figures around the country to speak directly to Americans through the power of these new tools.  Further, with the advent of these types of outreach strategies candidates and campaigns are no longer forced to try and disseminate their message through traditional venues and gatekeepers such as cable news commentators, columnists, and radio hosts.  These tools allow candidates to speak directly to the electorate and deliver their message in a candid, direct, and effective mechanism that fits into our new culture of information that fits in our custom news-cycle where the television newscast has been replaced with personalized content that we consume via our Laptops, PDAs, and iPods.

Well, interestingly enough, I suppose I am not the only one with this line of thought, as earlier today I found a report recently released by The Bivings Group.  The report, "The Internet's Role in Political Campaigns" (Link to a PDF of the Report) takes an extensive look at how candidates in 2006 are using the internet to communicate.  Surprisingly, the report found that a mere 23% of this years campaigns are blogging and only 5% are podcasting.  That's mind-boggling and quite possibly detrimental to a campaign’s success; especially in terms of reaching younger voters, which was a major crux of the last campaign cycle.

In light of this report and considering todays ever-competitive environment for disseminating news & views, I would implore candidates in 2006 to not overlook the power of Web 2.0 to reach millions of Americans.

Links:

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2006/06/senate_campaigns_20challengers.html

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Talk about a Home Run!  Apple's ubiquitous iPod has found a new home - in the dugouts of Major League Baseball.  CNN has the story...

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/06/16/ipod.homework.ap/index.html?section=cnn_topstories

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The state of today's ipodNation is increasingly becoming evident from the number of people who don the infamous white ear buds virtually everywhere, now a new study measures their popularity.  According to a Yahoo News story, The Student Monitor has released its biannual report of what's 'in' on college campuses and for the first time since 1987 beer has been bumped from the top of the list.  This time instead of the perennial winner Bud, the number one it item is the ever-popular Apple iPod. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060608/ap_on_hi_te/colleges_ipods_8

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Well, first I would be silly to not acknowledge that I've taken the last few weeks to do some regrouping and handle a number of client issues - and heading into the first three day weekend of the year I'll probably take a few more days.  But we're still here and still working away at monitoring the new media landscape...

With that in mind a good article came out yesterday about the up tick in the number of online video viewers and how dramatically the numbers have shifted since just October 2005.  Which got me thinking - what may have triggered that trend?  How about the debut of Apple's 1st Generation Video iPod?

Check out the story here: http://www.clickz.com/news/article.php/3608446

I'm not sure, but its a theory....your thoughts?

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We haven't talked that much about this here, and its an important part of the new media landscape: user created and shared video and picture content.  Websites offering social media sharing tools seem to be popping up left and right from YouTube, to iFilm, & TextAmerica.  The question raised in CNN/Money's MediaBiz commentary today is what's the future for these sites?  So before we break out our analysis, leave a comment and tell us: Do You YouTube?

Posted by Jason at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There's been a lot of talk lately about the growing world of Podcasts, Blogs, & RSS Feeds.  Now, PQ Media track's the growth of these market segments and their growing importance as a part of the modern advertising matrix. 

From PQ Media:

The culmination of six months of primary research, this report found that blog, podcast and RSS advertising are the fastest growing segments of the alternative media industry. These segments, known as user-generated online media, expanded at an aggregate 198.4% to $20.4 million in 2005, and are expected to grow another 144.9% to $49.8 million in 2006.

• Blog advertising accounted for 81.4%, or $16.6 million, of total spending on blog, podcast and RSS advertising in 2005, but will comprise only 39.7% of the total in 2010
• Podcast advertising, meanwhile, reached $3.1 million in 2005, and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 154.4% from 2006 to 2010, when it will be larger than blog advertising
• RSS advertising, non-existent until mid-2005, generated spending of $650,000 in 2005, but will be the fastest growing segment over the next five years

A free download is available from PQ's site that includes the executive summary and index of the report, which is also available for purchase.

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Amidst the many angles of the changing media landscape that we monitor here at The MediaBackpage, one of the more interesting angles is that of how media outlets themselves adopt and integrate new technologies and methodologies into their own toolboxes.  With that in mind, Fortune Magazine's David Kirkpatrick has an interesting commentary in his recent Fast Forward column about Old Media's new love affair with New Media. 

Well, in something a bit new, we want to hear from you!  What's your opinion, do you think that old makes way for new media? Do the various media constantly blend together to create new paradigms? Do New mediums help grow Traditional audiences or do they take away from those very audiences? Share your opinion by leaving a comment or sending us a note mail AT citycastmedia DOT com.

Posted by Jason at 6:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a bold move announced this morning, Disney will begin streaming their most popular television shows like LOST and Desperate Housewives live on ABC's newly revamped website on April 30th.  The shows will be available for download the next morning, free of cost.  The only catch is, viewers will not be able to scroll through (or fast forward) through the 5 "one-minute" commercials that ABC has sold.  Ford, Proctor & Gamble, Universal Pictures have already signed on to serve as primary advertisers. 

This is a huge shift from just a few months ago, when Disney began selling episodes of Desperate Housewives on iTunes for $1.99.  It also notes that their unsuccessful attempt to sell ESPN commercials on iTunes taught them a valuable lesson.  It's definitely another avenue to take advantage of people's access to high-speed and broadband networks.  ABC is also serving as the first network to make its shows as available to the public as possible all while maintaining a profit.  After CBS's success of streaming live games of the NCAA tournament, ABC decided it need to step up to the plate. 

The verdict is still out until the new ABC.com is unveiled and we can determine whether the technology and quality is as Disney says it is.  However, this is a big step for the TV Networks and another showcase of traditional media turning to the web to make more return on their investments.

Links:
Wall Street Journal
New York Times

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The podcasts have gone to the -- teachers!  As iPods and Podcasts continue to grow and become more and more prevalent various types of organizations are seeking to tap into these tools for disseminating information and reaching broader audiences.  Of those in the mix, education institutions that are seeking to reach students outside of the classroom.  One of the first to enter the fray, is Georgia College and State University, which has encouraged members of its campus to develop and use these tools in new and innovative ways beyond the classroom.  As a matter of fact, the University is so serious about integrating the iPod into it's curriculum and culture that it is holding a special event on April 18th called iPod iNnovation Day.  GCSU's approach to podcasting is not only a good example for other educational institutions, but for all communications professionals and organizations as they seek how to integrating podcasting into their communications strategies.

Links:

Yahoo News

Goergia College & State University

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So far this year we've seen XM set the tone by hiring Oprah Winfrey to create her own channel on satellite radio geared toward women.  Three weeks later NBC makes a large push to get a digital -hold on the world of the woman consumer by acquiring the popular website, iVillage,   "The Internet Home for Women."  Sirius chimed in with its own version today by launching Cosmo Radio.  The channel devoted to all things Women in the same style as the magazine, Cosmopolitan. 

Cosmo Radio is part of Sirius radio's Lifestyle package that already includes Martha Stewart's channel and the Lime channel, which addresses healthy living.  This is just the latest example of women being targeted as specific consumers and satellite radio's timeline for success.

Both XM and Sirius have made it clear to become and remain successful in this business, one must produce quality music programming covering all musical tastes.  After that is established, you first go after the tech-savvy "early adopters," then go after the men with incredible sports packages and aggressive radio personalities (Opie and Anthony, Howard Stern) and lastly the women with entertaining and enlightening programs with brand names and people you know and trust.

Links:
Radio Ink

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NBC Universal made a huge push today to expand their brand to women by obtaining iVillage, "The Internet Home for Women" for $600 million.  General Electric, which owns NBC, made the move to digital following in an effort to grow its digital revenue a push other media giants have made in the past few years.  Following suit of the News Corp. aquisition of MySpace and the New York Times taking on About.com, NBC needs to have a preexisting outlet to push their advertisers too.  This trend only further proves the "digital shift" in how media corporations attract advertising dollars.  There will be more purchases like this in the next few months.  There has to be, for media giants like GE, to keep their brand on top.


Links:
The Wall Street Journal

Posted by Brett at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It sems that the newspaper industry is increasingly becoming aware of the need to join the Web 2.0 World.  In a post yesterday, the Editor's Weblog, discussed the importance of podcasting and digital media tools to the newspaper industry.  Interesting the article has an interesting discussion of the difference between a podcast and a daily radio show and how both communications tools can co-exist. 

Additionally, while the article explains of the 'ease' of developing a podcast, doing so adds a new dynamic and added level of production, coordination, and publishing for these entitites  In all reality, to be done correctly a comprehensive podcast strategy, much like any other type of outreach, requires specific knowledge for success.  In this case for podcasting there needs to be a high-level knowledge of audio production, as well as the technical aspects of publishing such a series.  It is these types of situations where organizations such as CityCast Media  can help clients to not only develop comprehensive strategies but also extend an organizations bandwith and knowledge to handle these types of campaigns. (Disclousure Note: CityCast is our consulting practice that specializes in podcasts, blogs, and RSS technologies.)

Posted by Jason at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Richard Edelman, President of Edelman Public Relations recently wrote a very eloquent and spot on analysis of the implications of new communications tools for PR professionals.  His essay reminds me of a study that was done several years ago that pointed to internet audiences gravitating to user created content.  At the time they referenced tools such as e-mail and instant messaging.  Today, the tools have developed further and include rich media solutions such as audio and video podcasts, blogs, and RSS.  With these new techniques, the communications dialogue has evolved and grown from peer-to-peer sharing of personal content to a much broader and engaged space on virtually any topic that includes corporations, non-profits, stakeholders, and individuals. 

Clearly the rules of engagement for the communications community have been redefined.

Link:

Richard Edelman's Post on His Blog 6AM

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Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit issue is always an 'event' but this year the magazine makes a big splash with a dedicated website that is both content rich and full of A-list advertisers from Honda to Budweiser, as well text-based ads from Yahoo! Search Marketing. 

Beyond the print issue, SI has used several techniques to raise awareness and promote the issue online.  First, the Swimsuit site taps into several different options for users to experience the issue from extended pictorials to sponsored streaming video, and special sponsored sections.  Second, SI has integrated a number of tools whereby fans can both experience and promote the issue from buddy icons for instant messaging to downloadable cell phone backgrounds.  

The multi-platform approach has also sought to monetize videos that SI shoots each year of the pictorial shoots by producing vignettes on some of the models.  The magazine has made these mini-programs iPod friendly, and available for download through Apple's iTunes for $1.99 each or $9.99 for the set. (iTunes link). 

Links:

Media Post

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Earlier this week ESPN posted their witty SportsCenter commercials on iTunes, for a $1.99.  Shortly thereafter the comments started coming in via iTunes built-in comment system, however, instead of praise for ESPN's typically well-received spots the audience was appalled at the very idea of being charged to watch a commercial.  ESPN quickly retracted the spots and reposted them without fees.  Naturally, this was a good move on the network's part and we'll give credit where credit is do - they did right by their audience at the end of the day.

The situation brings to the forefront how the broadcast industry has initially handled the new on-line universe of video podcasting and on-demand video.  The industry has very quickly jumped to turn these tools into unique revenue streams, i.e. ABC selling its blockbuster hit Desperate Housewives through Apple's iTunes Store.  However, while that is an appropriate strategy for some shows is not necessarily the best strategy for all content. 

Instead rather then viewing these tools as simply revenue stream opportunities, the broadcast industry should leverage these tools to grow audiences and build loyalties.  For example, let's take the ever competitive late-night television space, for years David Letterman's Top Ten List has been available as a syndicated radio feature to help audiences become more familiar with the show and to in-turn draw larger audiences.  Now, with that idea in mind, the broadcast networks and cable channels have a unique opportunity to use video podcasts to make programs, or parts of programs available without a fee online, which will in turn help build audiences. 

The $1.99 lesson is that content providers need to use these new tools to their advantage, but not in a way that alienates the audience or looses focus on the big picture of building audience.  For starters, I call on the networks to podcast the stand-up monologues of new late night acts such as Jimmy Kimmel, and Craig Ferguson.

Link: NY Post ESPN Story

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Yeah...that will work.  In a "shocking" statement from Sirius, cease-and-desist letters have been sent out to online pirates, hearhoward100.com and hearhoward.org in a move to try and stop the "king of all media" from being heard for free.  After his satellite debut on January 9th, pirate radio stations around NY as well as other major markets began to retransmit the Sirius program on terrestrial (free) radio.  I can't imagine who was more thrilled, Sirius (by losing potential consumers) or the FCC (with Stern uncensored roaming on the FM dial).  Pirating Howard is nothing new, it has been occurring for years.  However, the issue is about dollars and cents now.  With Sirius costing consumers $13 a month, if their is a free alternative, people will flock to it.  There is little doubt Sirius will do everything in their power to eliminate the free transmission of Howard Stern's program with as much as $500 million invested in him.  Sirius spokesman Patrick Reilly said, "We don't condone the stealing of Howard's show, or any of the content on our more than 125 channels. We vigorously protect our intellectual property rights and we will actively prosecute those who attempt to steal it."

TheStreet.com put the scenario best: if water fountains started spraying free Coca-Cola. In that case, who’d want to part with four quarters for a bottle of Coke?

Posted by Brett at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are a number of articles, like this one, from the Mercury News that are making the rounds these days about how through a series of actions Steve Jobs could rise to power to run Disney and what the implications would be for the media industry.

How does such a scenario develop?  Well, if Disney completes a deal to buy Pixar, the animation studio that created hits Toy Story and Finding Nemo, then Jobs, who is already Pixar's CEO would obtain Disney stock as part of the deal.  In actuality, he would probably end up with enough stock to put him on Disney's board and perhaps even the chairman's seat.

So, how does that sit within the modern media landscape?  While, it may remind you of the failed AOL-Time Warner merger, which, was orchestrated to fuse AOL's online portal with the Time Warner's vast content library, the outcome will be much different.  While there could be questions as to why this mega-merger would have a different outcome.  Basically, there are two major differences between the AOL-TW merger and Disney and Pixar situation.  First, the AOL and Time Warner deal happened before broadband was widely deployed in American homes, which allows consumers to download larger media content such as songs and video content.  Secondly, there was no device nor the ability to mobilize AOL’s content whereas a Disney/Pixar deal would bring together not only two content behemoths but one of today’s hottest technology providers.

If the Disney-Pixar deal does take foot expect Steve Jobs - in whatever capacity he is in the corporate hierarchy - to use the newfound position to influence the organization’s strategy so that he can leverage the Disney’s large content library via the Apple’s iTunes store.  Not only will this help fully usher Disney into the new digital age, but it will monetize an extensive library that is not available yet in the digital world.  While Disney's ABC and ESPN units have already debuted content in Apple's iTunes Music Store, with Jobs on the Disney board, it would not be surprising to see old television shows and movies, as well as new releases make their way into the virtual shelves and available for download.  Jobs has built a platform that over 80 million Americans now use to manage their music libraries, and with the latest release of the company’s iPod supporting video, Jobs is looking for a way to tip the scales again for television and film properties and further drive traffic through iTunes and thus the sale of the iPod. 

Of course, on a larger scale, if Jobs is successful in this endeavor it will impact not only Disney, but the larger media community.

Update: Since we posted this earlier in the week, the deal has been completed and it has been announced that Jobs will be on the Disney board of directors.  Business Week has a good analysis of how Jobs will interact and help drive the direction of the Disney organization.

Posted by Jason at 2:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Two weeks ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Yahoo, Microsoft, AOL and Google all showcased their new online video portals, which were set to debut later this year.  The idea was to challenge the stranglehold Apple already has on the market for both free videos, but more importantly those that content providers are charging for including television shows and movies.  Google has already cut a major deal with the NBA, for consumers to download games and highlights from around the league for their viewing pleasure.

As we have covered on The Media Backpage, major content providers like Walt Disney and CBS have already cut deals with Apple.  However, this week Google snuck one past everyone by launching it's service way ahead of schedule.  They have now officially launched their site, Google Video.

Everyone's excited to have options for online video, especially those with video iPods and similar players, with that said though some are not thrilled with Google's first offering, especially those at the New York Times ripped Google's beta version.  The service leaves a lot to be desired and isn't as comfortable as Apple's iTunes, but it is still certain to have a huge impact on the emerging video-download world.

Check it out and let us know what you think...

Posted by Brett at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On January 24th, Amazon hands the mic to Bill Maher, who will host a new on-line series of webcasts called, "Amazon Fishbowl." 

That's correct, after over ten years on the web, Amazon is getting into the original content business.  Each week, on Thursday evenings, the company will host Maher's program, which will feature various authors, artists, and directors.  As one might expect, most of the guests will have tie-ins with current or new products that are available through the e-retailer.  However, despite the move into the world of "Web 2.0," unlike the earlier moves by the traditional networks, Amazon will only stream the content live on their website and the shows will not be available for download.

I applaud Amazon for taking the step forward to offer original content, but the strategy is flawed.  Consumers are reaching out for alternatives from the traditional media venues but they want to do so on their own terms.  That is why there has been great success for products like TiVo, and on-line content like audio and video podcasts.  However, today's audience wants to have the flexibility to catch programming when and where they want, which is why I would strongly recommended that they make these shows available for download.  Not only would Amazon would benefit further by making this content available for download through their own site, but they can also reach new audiences through other distribution channels such as iTunes, Yahoo, AOL, and the many independent media directories.

Posted by Jason at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

No longer do we have to report to our home dens for soap operas, or sporting events as we once had to.  Today, it seems as though everywhere you look the conversation is about content on anything but the television.  From the laptop to even smaller devices like cell phones, iPods, PDAs, and digital media players every one wants their content available to audiences no matter where they physically are and on any device.

Case in point, buried in the media headlines today, MediaPost's Media DailyNews highlighted that both CBS and the E! Network have announced new mobile deals.  While CBS will create new small-screen soaps for mobile phones and other devices, E! will launch a new broadband channel with streaming audio and video content to both cell phones and satellite radio subscribers.

While this particular story was a small blurb it is a highly signifficant move that demonstrates the mobile media trend that we'll be watching and focusing on here at The MediaBackpage.

Posted by Jason at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rupert Murdoch has done it again.  Insiders were buzzing when News Corp. purchased MySpace.com last summer, but were surprised it has taken him this long to speak on his plans for the picture-dominated website. Watch out Yahoo, Murdoch announced a detailed plan to launch a full-service website portal complete with free video downloads, instant-messaging, and an internet phone calling service.  With over 47 million members, MySpace will tap into the 16-35 year old market with a bang.  High school kids, college students, and full-fledged adults surf thousands of pictures on MySpace all day long and Murdoch will take advantage of his built-in audience.  Why else would he shell out more than $1.3 billion for the site last summer?  Check out The Wall Street Journal's take on Murdoch's latest move (subscription rec'd.

Posted by Brett at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)