The Mediatwits podcast is sponsored by the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, which offers an intensive, cutting edge, three semester Master of Arts in Journalism; a unique one semester Advanced Certificate in Entrepreneurial Journalism; and the CUNY J-Camp series of Continuing Professional Development workshops focused on emerging trends and skill sets in the industry.
Welcome to the 18th episode of “The Mediatwits,” the weekly audio podcast from MediaShift. The co-hosts are MediaShift’s Mark Glaser and Staci Kramer, editor of PaidContent, who’s filling in for Rafat Ali. This show looks at the recent purchase of iPad aggregator app Zite by CNN for a reported $20 million to $25 million. Why is CNN getting into iPad aggregation? Special guest KC Estenson, senior vice president and general manager of CNN.com, explains the importance of personalized aggregators and how they boost engagement. Estenson also talks about lessons learned from the CNN’s online coverage of Hurricane Irene.
Next up is the U.S. Justice Department suing to block the AT&T/T-Mobile merger and the repercussions of that move. While Mark thinks the deal would have put a damper on competition, Staci doesn’t think it’s such a cut-and-dried case. Also, the moves in streaming video have been fast and furious as September begins: Netflix’s new pricing went into effect right as Starz announced it was ending its deal with Netflix. And while Hulu is still on the sales block it launched a new service in Japan, including a pricey paid service with no ads.
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Intro and outro music by 3 Feet Up; mid-podcast music by Autumn Eyes via Mevio’s Music Alley.
Here are some highlighted topics from the show:
Intro and surviving Hurricane Irene
1:30: Staci’s love for Starbucks when working virtually
3:45: Hurricane coverage not over hyped at all
6:20: Media coverage was a response to Katrina
6:50: Rundown of topics for the podcast
CNN buys Zite app
8:00: Special guest KC Estenson of CNN.com
11:00: CNN wanted footprint in Silicon Valley
12:30: Why did Time send cease-and-desist to Zite?
16:00: CNN was a pioneer with Talkback Live show in the ’90s
18:30: Why didn’t CNN build its own aggregator?
21:00: How CNN.com created “open story,” combining news and iReports on map for Irene
Justice Dept. sues to block AT&T/T-Mobile
24:40: Staci surprised DoJ moved so fast to sue
25:20: Bloomberg News’ editorial supports DoJ
27:00: Staci doesn’t think T-Mobile will always be cut-rate
Streaming video wars continue
29:05: Starz breaks off negotiations with Netflix, as Netflix raises rates
30:30: Streaming competition includes Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and even YouTube
33:00: Level playing field? Not really, Netflix is the leader
35:50: Should a media company own an aggregator? (Hulu or Zite)
More Reading
Why did CNN buy the news aggregator Zite? at CNET
CNN Buys Zite, Continues Magazine Push at Wired
CNN Snaps Up iPad Magazine Zite In Bid For Scale And Technology at MocoNews
What CNN could learn by acquiring Zite at GigaOm
Consumers Will Win if AT&T, T-Mobile Deal Disconnects: View at Bloomberg
AT&T antitrust suit boosts Sprint at Stocktwits
7 Alternative Buyers for T-Mobile USA at PC Mag
AT&T: Deal’s Dead, Says Bernstein; It Ain’t Over, Says Wells at Barron’s
The Bidding War Over Hulu Erupts – Find Out Who’s In And Who’s Out Here at Business Insider
Netflix to lose Starz, its most valuable source of new movies
Hulu Launches Subscription Service in Japan at Hulu blog
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Mark Glaser is executive editor of MediaShift and Idea Lab. He also writes the bi-weekly OPA Intelligence Report email newsletter for the Online Publishers Association. He lives in San Francisco with his son Julian. You can follow him on Twitter @mediatwit. and Circle him on Google+
The Mediatwits podcast is sponsored by the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, which offers an intensive, cutting edge, three semester Master of Arts in Journalism; a unique one semester Advanced Certificate in Entrepreneurial Journalism; and the CUNY J-Camp series of Continuing Professional Development workshops focused on emerging trends and skill sets in the industry.