In this era of aggressive copy protection, restrictive digital rights management, it’s always nice to see a content provider that is encouraging that users share their content.
Now don’t get me wrong I’m not a fan of copyright infringement or piracy, but I think that when folks share quality content with their friends that it’s a good thing. Personally, I think that TV clips up on YouTube is a good thing. While yes, the content creators aren’t getting paid for the content, they are getting hype. Folks are noticing their work, and that in turn makes them more popular. However, there have been plenty of stories recently of media companies serving YouTube and other similar services with copyright infringement notices and getting clips removed. I just don’t think these “old media” companies understand or recognize the potential of “new media.”
So imagine my surprise to encounter an old media company that seems to get it, or at least a show that seems to get it. I got an e-mail last week from NPR’s On The Media, which besides having the notes from the week’s show had a little blurb buried at the bottom of the message. “Got a blog or a website? Did you know you can embed OTM audio segments just like YouTube?”
If you’re not familiar with OTM, as the name suggests it reports on the media and for years they have been talking about the clash between old media and new media. They’ve been very conscious of the impact (and potential impact) of podcasts, blogs, video sharing and all of the other ways the people can get news and information besides from the television or radio. If they’re anybody out there that has heard both sides of the story about sharing content on the internet, it’s definately the folks at OTM.
I have to commend them for taking the plunge and allowing folks on the iternet to share pieces of their show. While I admit, OTM isn’t for everyone - if you see a site that has linked up to NPR’s Flash Player click on it. Show the folks at OTM and NPR that there is a demand and value to this service. Maybe then other shows (and networks) will get the message…
And to help it along, here’s a clip from this week’s edition of On The Media. In it host Brooke Gladstone talks with Jonathan Gold the first food critic to win a Pulitzer Prize.
