As new media continues to alter the way brands offer products and interact with consumers, the ways in which individuals utilize the information also continually changes.  Given that this evolution will only augment over time, the value that clients are seeing in non-traditional media opportunities (i.e. podcasts, video interviews, blogs) continues to grow. These outlets are more interactive in nature and allow bloggers, readers, and individuals/companies mentioned in a post to respond and communicate in real time via commenting. 

As PR practitioners it is important to acknowledge this evolution as well as develop a strategy that leverages a mix of both traditional and new media programs. Creating opportunities that allow clients to interact and share information with potential customers, key stakeholders, and interested parties should be the cornerstone of a successful PR program. 

With that in mind, I began to think of ways we could utilize the wealth of information that Mirror Image Internet’s (a PAN client) Director of Marketing Martin Hayward posses regarding mobile video delivery – and why it is quickly becoming the core of many mobile marketing strategies.  

Knowing that StreamingMedia.com is the premier online destination for industry news, information, and services related to the streaming media industry, and that we have a great working relationship with its Editors, I thought I’d propose the idea of producing a podcast with Martin and a Mirror Image partner, Wowza Media Systems.  Contributing Editor Tim Sigli, who has taken over the podcasting helm along with Jose Castillo, confirmed his interest, and we were discussing recording logistics before I knew it.  

Soon after, Martin, Dave Stubenvoll for Wowza Media Systems, Tim, and I were recording the contents of a compelling podcast via phone.  Throughout the podcast, Tim explored the benefits of a single codec, H.264, for mobile delivery from two perspectives: a single media server (Wowza, represented by Dave) and a content delivery network (Mirror Image, represented by Martin). 

The podcast has since been published and now lives alongside hundreds of hours of audio/video content on the Streaming Media site.  Listen to the podcast – and others – here, and let us know what you think!