TV/Web Usage Jumps

In a sign that television and the Internet are starting to converge in viewers’ consciousness, more people spent more time simultaneously viewing the Internet and television in December 2009 than in June 2009 or December 2008, according to a Three Screens Report from The Nielsen Co.

In December 2009, 59 percent of Americans used television and the Internet simultaneously, compared to 56.9 percent in June 2009 and 57.5 percent in December 2008. On a year-over-year basis, participation in this activity increased 2.7 percent. Counting individual users, 134,056 Americans used television and the Internet simultaneously in December 2009. This compares to 128,047 in June 2009 and 128,167 in December 2008. On a year-over-year basis, the number of people using television and the Internet simultaneously increased 4.6 percent.

I know this seems like a bunch of numbers, and it is. Yet, it shows me again the importance of combining video in your publicity program in both mediums. I am an ardent fan of video for PR. Social media opportunities abound and video plays a large role. B-roll is still an acceptable television news medium and distribution to news outlets nationwide can gain valuable exposure for a company or product … if produced properly. Isn’t that always the key … if produced properly. Just don’t let your kid or brother-in-law with their video cameras get in the way. Hire PR mavens who understand social media is more than Facebook and Twitter and place your video in the right place. Professionally produced news media video will also go a long way to energize your PR strategy.