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Video Created the Everyday Star

 

I guess it’s true what they say…if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  We live in an increasingly voyeuristic society and every move we make is under surveillance.  The traditional news media put up a good fight, but ultimately had to succumb to the fact that amateur video and airing “caught on tape” scenarios is the only way to stay in the game.

 

ABC News just announced i-CAUGHT, a YouTube-esque addition to its morning programming.  In the i-CAUGHT promo, host Bill Weir tells us, “We’re ALL part of this new video revolution.  Everywhere you look, cameras are catching everything: breaking news... making headlines... turning unknowns into celebrities... turning others into laughing stocks.”  i-CAUGHT premiers Tuesday, August 7 at 10/9 central.

 

Whoever thought “reality” video was just a fad was sorely mistaken.  We love feeling as though we’re proverbial flies on the wall.  We liked the drama of cop shows such as T.J. Hooker and S.W.A.T, so TV’s Cops gave us the real thing.  We enjoyed the cat-and-mouse chase of potential lovers on All My Children, thus began the run of The Bachelor.  Reality TV and online video forums have created opportunities for the everyday Joe to be the next big thing; and the rest of us get to be part of making it happen by discovering these hidden gems.  

 

With i-CAUGHT and YouTube, we not only get to watch through electronic binoculars, but we can be part of the action—producers, camera crews, newscasters and actors.  Even our presidential hopefuls are joining in.

 

Last night, eight Democratic candidates redefined the presidential debate with a no-holds-barred YouTube-hosted Q&A.  In the opening video post, Chris from Portland challenged the candidates to answer the debate questions as though they were sitting in our living rooms instead of beating around the “Bush” as done prior.  In this revolutionary format, the candidates even answered a question about global warming from a snowman sock puppet.

 

So, the video evolution charges on.  I’m interested to hear what you all think about the increase in amateur video venues, the YouTube presidential debates, and what it all means for the future of news media.  

Posted by Danielle Mancano on July 24, 2007 03:46 PM |

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