ABC and FB

The TV station ABC is using the popular social network of Facebook to increase their young news audience. However, they are not the first news station to do this, CNN has already joined forces with MySpace. The two companies are in agreement that ABC will provide Facebook users with Web 2.0 related content. This includes debate groups, campaign trail videos , and online surveys. Additionally, ABC reporters will create their own personal Facebook profiles which will contain photos and blogs. "Networks are looking to connect with a lost audience -- and the way to do this, they have come to realize, is through Web 2.0 technology and Web sites."

I think this is a great idea, the traditional news is not as appealing to the youth today. This will make the news more contemporary with a youthful feel. It is a good public relations step for ABC.

More ads on facebook?!

Facebook will now allow corporate advertisements on the status updates menu and on the news feed. There will also be "static ads" popping up when you view and update your profile. It is a free service, therefore it is supported by ads. Advertisers that join the program can also pay for a small ad for their product to appear any time it is mentioned on a news feed. Such ads appear on a personal page that only the user sees, and not on their public profiles.

I really hope this doesn't lead to a MySpace. Facebook is a SOCIAL NETWORKING site, not an advertisement. So much for the college only style that started Facebook. I'm sure the Facebook users will put in their two sense about how they feel about the ads once they start popping up. When the news feeds started complaints and groups were formed instantly. Their public relations team better be ready for that again.