Digital Media Cafe Blog – Featuring Fan Cam, Snapchat, NASCAR and Muhammad Ali – David Granger
October 1, 2014
Fan Cam: The Not So Beautiful Game
One of the greatest things which the internet – and social media in particular – has achieved is it has democratised communication to a point where every one has a platform.
The means and the right to not only have your say and hold a point of view, but also to then publish that view, to disseminate it around the globe.
The man in the pub with a pint and a loud voice now is a worldwide pundit. And perhaps the greatest example of this new found communication power is the Fan Cam.
The people with attitude and outspoken views are now captured outside stadia and turned into media stars.
You need some examples? Well these are just three of the top of their game:
– Arsenal
Like reality television stars there is certainly an air of condescension from the people behind the camera – and are we agreeing with the commentators or laughing at them?
A genuine insight from the fans or a guilty internet pleasure? Either way, it does make great viewing. Want more? Of course you do.
Snapchat: Talking To The Youth Market
For many marketeers Snapchat is – like its demographic – a slightly confusing young upstart.
It’s a teenage audience they know they should be talking to, but how do you approach them and how do you converse with the youth without coming across as an awkward dad at the disco?
Well, help may be on hand if rumours of Snapchat’s latest appointment are correct. According to the Techcrunch website, the social platform has taken on Nike’s former global director of digital Eric Toda.
The speculation is that this means Snapchat will themselves be helping teams, brands and stadia to use their My Story to create pieces which are entertaining for communities and will ensure content is relevant and authentic, rather than forced and unfunny.
Some brands such as Red Bull and Taco Bell are already on the channel and the sporting world is following suit – and that uptake is set to grow while it still remains the social weapon of choice for teens.
Nascar on YouTube: Race To Review
There’s an interesting new viewing development in the US taking place with YouTube now showing replays of the entire NASCAR Sprint Cup series races. And it’s free of charge.
So it’s bypassing all the channels, barriers both geographical and digital to create a very democratic form of review.
The replays are part of the league’s intention to make Nascar’s own digital properties the first choice for fans to visit before, during and after race day.
It’s yet another way control of the actual viewing of sport is being wrestled away form traditional broadcast media and into the hands of teams and series. You can check out the most recent Sprint Cup races here.
Social History: Athletes Who Would Have Been Digital Stars
It’s one of those pub conversations every one should have. Which athlete, from a previous era, would have killed it on social media?
Who would have been the Joey Barton, the Manchester City, or the Roger Federer on social media if it had been around? It’s the question posed in a blog on the bleacher report site.
It lists some sports stars such as John McEnroe and Babe Ruth who would have made great copy had they been on Twitter, but perhaps the one we could all agree on is Muhammad Ali.
Esoteric genius, world champion and as quick with his wit as with his gloves, when he was fighting he would have been social gold.
But over to you. Who do you think would have been a knockout on Instagram or a contender on Facebook? Let us know via the comments below.
Having spent eight seasons in Formula One managing the digital channels for world champions Red Bull Racing, David Granger now runs Fact 51, a social and digital content agency.
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