Smart TV and Leveson Dominate Early 2012 Media Agenda

It’s been a whirlwind first two weeks for media in 2012. Two trends are clear to see already…

Firstly, CES 2012 has sent the media into a spin about the wonders of connected TV, something we’ve been talking about for a while with and on behalf of our clients. There is a clear divide in views on the impact this will have on TV. There appear to be two camps. 1. those who think it will totally and utterly change the way we watch TV forever and 2. those who think the stats already show, yes, it is having some impact but that TV will not radically change from the passive, laid-back shared viewing experience for the family it has always been in the coming years. Whichever camp you support, it’s definitely worth playing around with connected TV if you haven’t to see what this all means. A brilliant example of what is becoming possible in this new world is to take a look at Zeebox. Picture how you will share and manage PR content you’re responsible for through this type of fully integrated TV viewing experience. Although I challenge you to remain focused on the programme while you’re exploring the delights that Zeebox offers.

Meanwhile, Leveson caries on apace and is compulsive viewing to see how the different media editors and owners are behaving under the spotlight. This enquiry still has months left and hats off to Ben Fenton and Dan Sabbagh amongst other for their relentless and committed tweeting from the enquiry. Their tweets are causing regular ripples of debate here in the Braben office…Where the enquiry will leave newspapers and their complaints commission, code of conduct and reputation remains to be seen. In the interests of a strong UK media landscape, I can’t help but hope to see a stronger industry with its many fantastic brands well positioned to engage with UK readers in this digital world.

Phew, what’s in store for the next two weeks of Jan?! Told you it would be another amazing year for media.