We see it almost every day on TV when viewers send cell phone video. They shoot great video of a chase, a reunion or some breaking news - but because of the way the phone was held more than half the screen has no video when it shows up on TV. The reason is simple. [...]
When was the last time you opened your station’s news or weather app and actually used it? Was it... When you first downloaded it? A month ago? Last week? Or you don’t remember? I’ve learned that stations don’t do enough quality control. Here’s an example. We have a client station that has one of the [...]
A good friend of mine struggles to figure out her computer and phone. In her world, files disappear and mysteriously move never to be seen again. When she explains her latest frustration, people are curious: Why does she have these problems when some of us facing the same thing bungle along and figure out a [...]
I hadn’t even planned to attend my caucus here in Iowa this year. But when a sudden change in my travel schedule put me at home Monday night it seemed like a good way to spend the evening. Driving to a local elementary school I was stuck in a stream of cars coming out of my [...]
“Can you hear me now?” Remember the Verizon ad? (As if pop culture will ever let us forget it). When it comes to your news mobile app, let’s change it to, “Can you see me now?” Can you see the images, weather maps and graphics I just put in your Facebook feed on your cell [...]
I spend a fair amount of time cruising various station Facebook pages while watching TV in the evening (cable, streaming, DVR). I know it’s quite a life I lead. Really, it’s ok. It gives me chance to second screen – sometimes third screen - to see what’s happening around the country and what people are [...]
Some of you might say this blog is from Captain Obvious. But I figured I would write it anyway to maximize the enormous digital opportunity on Christmas. We’ve learned that Christmas Day is a huge digital day. Folks are getting new phones, new tablets, wearables and other connected devices. And as the wrapping paper is [...]
The attacks in Paris really hit home for me this weekend – as they have for many Americans. And so has the disappointing local TV coverage of this huge international story with direct implications in all of our hometowns. Friday night, my daughter was getting on a plane in Boston to return to college in [...]
Maybe it’s me. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations … that stations take on their digital products in an aggressive, relevant and meaningful way. But after all, it is the future (and the now). This weekend showed that many stations are still living in their traditional analog world, focused on TV and missing a digital opportunity to [...]
The GM woke up from a nightmare. In a cold sweat, all he/she could think about was something from the nightmare, when the network affiliate relations representative said on the phone: "We've enjoyed our relationship for the past 50 years, but when our contract expires we won't be renewing it." The conversation continued: "Who will [...]
