CNN + user gen = "News to Me"

CNN is debuting "News to Me" on Saturday, May 19 at 12:30pm. They claim, according to their press release, that this is the "first cable news program comprised of user-generated video." Apparently they've never heard of (or prefer to ignore) Current TV which is a cable news channel consisting ENTIRELY of user gen content. While CNN, its competitors, and other traditional media outlets, including the NYT, have widely accepted amateur video as relevant for almost a year now (Virginia Tech anyone?) this is still a significant story. I feel that previously CNN and the like saw user gen as a necessary evil in order to get the most sensational and behind the scenes footage. I see "News to Me" as an opportunity to get reports on mainstream news stories from the perspective of correspondents who didn't just step off the red eye an hour ago. This is not a novel concept, its the entire idea behind Current, but its good to see an outlet as mainstream as CNN embracing it.

Users can submit reports through the “Send Your I-Report” link on CNN.com or by emailing it to ireport@cnn.com

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Comcast to try out IPTV, Verizon quietly curls up into fetal position

Verizon built an ultra expensive, ultra fast all fiber network that they thought would be "future proof" (up to 100 megs a second, ooh! aah!) and give them an upper hand on the cable MSO's in delivering video with more interactivity. They use a closed network IP infrastructure (similar to the Internet but proprietary) for their FiOS service which allows for a direct connection to headend which theoretically makes more interactivity possible. Comcast says "i don't think so beeyotch" and plans to use a new high speed cable technology called DOCSIS 3.0 that will allow them to utilize their current infrastructure to do the same shit. It is commonly known and recognized that Verizon took a huge gamble with their investment in fiber. The main reason being that advancements in compression and wireless technologies could render its speed obsolete before it is even fully deployed. Another problem they've had is communicating to customers what exactly is so great about IPTV. It looks like that problem may be the least of their worries.

On a side note, Comcast is pretty badass, and will soon be launching cell phone service to compete with Verizon's inevitable "Home Run" package of video, internet, home phone and cellular on one bill (already available in parts of Florida).

Article from B&C's Multichannel news

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