MySpace Gets Political 
By Sherri - (0) comments April 29, 2007



MySpace and Mark Burnett, the producer of "Survivor," are teaming up to bring a little bit of political pandering to the online community.

The new creation, "Independent," will be a reality offering designed to get young people interested in voting. Through the reality vehicle, contestants will vie for a cool million dollars to spend on a political cause or campaign.

According to San Jose Mercury News, contestants will discuss ideas online each day and will also have to set up their own MySpace pages dedicated to their campaigns. Potential participants will be selected from videos posted on MySpace.

Viewers and web users will also be able to get involved through "interactive town-hall settings."

This sounds like an interesting use of the Internet and MySpace – even if the show idea hasn't been picked up by a network as of yet. I have to admit, I'm not sure how interesting this would be played out on film, but still, it is a creative way to try and bring attention to the voting process, campaigning and politics in general.

Related:
YouTube, MySpace Video To DVD Possible
Foul Called On MySpace Censorship
MySpace Begins Selling "24"

Labels: 2008 elections, myspace, online tv, politics, survivor

CBS Joins Joost 
By Sherri - (1) comments April 13, 2007



CBS has once again shown its willigness to break with tradition and get in on the cutting edge of online television.

The network has officially become the first to sign on with Joost, an online site from the creators of Skype. Joost bills itself as “the world’s first broadcast-quality Internet television service.” CBS shows will be online on Joost when the service launches later this spring.

Shows that will be available include new and previously aired full epoisodes of such shows as the full “CSI” franchise, “Survior,” “Jericho” and even Showtime original movies.

“Joost combines best-in-class technology with superb video quality and a management team with a proven track record,” said Quincy Smith, President, CBS Interactive, in a media release. “Partnering with Joost for the CBS Interactive Audience Network showcases our content and community on a service that allows for unique advertising opportunities and a delivery framework that maximizes cost efficiency.”

Joost is in beta right now. There’s no official date for the big launch, but it looks like it’s coming soon.

As an online TV fan, I must say I remain impressed by the drive CBS is showing in making sure its content is available to fans as the click of a mouse.

Related:
‘Jericho’ Wiki Has The Answers
Joost Moving Forward
CBS’ Innertube Scores With Viewer

Labels: cbs, csi, jericho, joost, online tv, skype, survivor