bury the lede

Another Hiatus, Perhaps More Permanent

I thought I could do it, but I was wrong. This blog, like my others, is going to take a break, at least until after the primary. Sorry.

No Feed For You

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE, AND THEN NO MORE UPDATES: Yeah, there's something wrong with the Star feed, but who knows what the problem is. Whatever. Hopefully they'll have the whole thing uploaded later.

UPDATE: The Star's feed is coming through clearly on Ustream.tv, the live-streaming host website. It must be the redirect through IndyStar.com that's slowing down the process.

Here's a bit of a gripe directed toward the two television stations in town (you know who you are) that live-streamed Barack Obama's town hall meeting in Plainfield today: Why you gotta hate the Mac users of the world? At least set up your stream to support those of us who have installed Flip4Mac.

Presumably PC users were able to log on and watch the live coverage, which is more than the blogmistress can say for the Star's direct feed. Yes, it supported Macs, but the feed itself disappeared about three minutes into the event.

Clearly, our media market has a long way to go in the realm of online communications.

Preview The Star's New Website

The Indy Star will formally launch its new website design next week.

If you'd like to catch a sneak peek, click here.

Hat tip, friend o' the blog.

Check Out IndianaPolitics.tv

In case you haven't already seen it, WISH-TV has a slick new site, complete with its own separate Web address, entirely devoted to Indiana political races at every level of government.

Among other things, you can find information on candidates, check out the latest political coverage, and, if you're running for office, upload your own information.

The site fills an electronic space that's largely unoccupied and creates a new revenue stream for the station in an already-lucrative area of advertising.

New AME At Inside INdiana Business?

Lifted straight from the comments section, look for the folks over at Inside INdiana Business to announce a new assistant managing editor this week, a position that previously didn't exist.

LIN Launches IndyTube

LIN Television, the parent company of WISH-TV, has launched a new niche website called IndyTube. It's essentially a local version of YouTube with a twist: Uploaded content will be reworked into a television show produced in-house and hosted by a local deejay or media celebrity.

You can check out the website here.

A bit more information:

What is IndyTube?

IndyTube is a niche web site for people like you and me to post our best videos on the web. It's similar to YouTube, but has a local focus. In addition to being a local web site that will feature videos, we're also launching a television show in a few weeks that will show the best-of videos submitted on the web. So, not only can you be a star on the web, you might get 15 minutes of fame on TV too.

What kind of videos can I post?

There are LOTS of creative content ideas that you can post. A few suggestions include:

• Funny or crazy pet tricks
• Video of a prank you pull on a friend
• Your kids most amazing athletic achievement
• A humorous spoof comedic series you create
• Video of a high school play
• Footage from a recent local band performance

Obviously the ideas are limitless! We encourage you to surf sites like www.YouTube.com, http://video.yahoo.com/, and www.metacafe.com for a few ideas.

If I have any questions, who can I speak to?

If it's content related, we suggest speaking with Jason Crundwell, WISH's Internet Director. If you have an advertising or sales related question, contact Carrie Bolin, Internet Sales Director.

How do I post a video to IndyTube?

First, you need to take a video. Many new cell phones offer a way to take video. You can also use the video mode on all digital cameras and of course, video cameras. You must be able to download the video to your computer hard drive. Check your manual on how to do this. Jason and the rest of the web team will try and help too, if you need it.

Now, go online to www.indytube.tv. Click on "Sign up" or "Upload" and it will ask you to register the very first time you sign up. Once you do so, you'll get a screen to upload your video. Browse your computer for the file, give it a title, description and indicate a few key words that relate to it and push "upload."

Video will be uploaded to the site and approved by a human editor. Typically this happens in less than 20 minutes, though late at night it could take more time.

Overall, the first time you submit a video it should take about 3-4 minutes. After that, most videos upload in a matter of minutes. The shorter the video is, the quicker it uploads.

How can I increase my chances of having a video featured on the new TV show?

Our editors will be selecting videos that are entertaining and generate interest from a wide audience.

• Ideal segments are :15 second to 2:00 minutes in length
• Segments are not commercial in focus (they might accomplish a commercial goal, but they are entertaining foremost) Videos that are clearly commercial focused will be deleted. IE, if Unique Windows & Door Inc. post their 30-second commercial, it's not going to stay on the site. But if Unique Windows & Door post a video on how to test your windows for leaks, it would.
• Audio! We want to hear what is being said (and be able to understand it).
• High resolution files are more likely to be shown on TV or highlighted as an editor's pick. Upload at a high quality level. (A good gauge is 1 MB per :30 seconds of footage, we don't require HD video!).
• You are welcome to put your own welcome or 'produced by, starring, etc.' but don't let that take  up more than a 10% of total video time.

Chelli Leaving Inside INdiana Business

Ryan Chelli, director of interactive media and market development for Inside INdiana Business, is leaving to take a position with the Community Health Network Foundation. He writes:

"An incredible opportunity was presented to me, and I have accepted a new position with the Community Health Network Foundation to serve as the Director of Marketing and Philanthropic Communications. As a member of the senior leadership team, I will help create and implement strategic marketing and eBusiness programs that will increase philanthropic support for the Community Health Network Foundation and position it as the region's premier healthcare foundation.

"For 4.5 wonderful years, I have had the honor to work with Gerry Dick and his highly-talented team. I have been privileged to be a part of a well-respected company that has changed the way Indiana business news is generated and distributed. I'll miss working with those of you who have assisted in making the organization successful and making my job unbelievably enjoyable. This was a difficult decision to make, and I leave the company with wonderful friendships with Gerry and my co-workers, who will ensure your needs are met during my transition.

"My last day at Inside INdiana Business will be January 4th, and I will assume my new responsibilities with the Community Health Network Foundation on January 14th."

Two Job Postings At Inside INdiana Business

Inside INdiana Business has posted two employment opportunities with the company:

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS

Exciting opportunity for a talented, committed professional at Indiana's recognized business news leader. Grow INdiana Media Ventures, LLC, the parent of the Inside INdiana Business portfolio of business news products, is seeking a creative, energetic professional for the newly created position of assistant managing editor. This position will report directly to the president with responsibilities that include daily content management and writing for The Inside Edge e-Newsletters and www.InsideIndianaBusiness.com, as well as content development with the company's statewide network of television, radio and newspaper affiliates. On-air talent work for radio and/or television a possibility as well. Successful candidate should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a minimum of 4 years of professional experience, preferably in a broadcast news environment, familiarity with new media concepts and ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Please e-mail your resume and qualifications for this immediate opening to HR@GrowIndiana.net

PART-TIME NEWS WRITER/REPORTER INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS

Grow INdiana Media Ventures, LLC, the parent of the Inside INdiana Business portfolio of business news products, is seeking a talented, energetic professional for a part-time writing/reporting position. Responsibilities include writing and reporting for the INside Edge e-Newsletters, www.InsideIndianaBusiness.com and Inside INdiana Business Radio. This position will involve approximately 25 hours per week and has the potential to become a full-time position. Successful candidate should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a minimum of 4 years of professional experience, preferably in a broadcast news environment, familiarity with new media concepts and the ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Please e-mail your resume and qualifications for this immediate opening to HR@GrowIndiana.net

Mainstream Meets YouTube

This is slightly stale news, but WISH-TV has established its own YouTube channel, so you can watch old stories over and over without having to navigate the somewhat tricky video maze on the station's website.

WTHR-TV also has a YouTube presence where you can find some of its archived clips.

Know of any other local media taking advantage of the power of viral networking?