Tess Koppelman, general assignment reporter at WDAF-TV Fox 4, has developed a unique sweeps piece that analyzes the impact of bloggers on the media. Much of her segment will focus on Tony Botello, the owner of tonyskansascity.com, who has one of the area's most-read and influential blogs. John Landsberg of Bottom Line Communications was interviewed for the piece. He discussed whether it is good or bad for blogs to have such influence. The story is called "Behind the Blogs" and will air Friday (2/8) during the 9 p.m. news hour. The first part of the story looks at why people blog, what do they get out of it and some of the unique perspectives people can find online. The focus then will examine blogger Tony of TonysKansasCity.com and answer the questions: Is he really the persona he projects online? Can one blog really affect media and politics? Should blogs have that kind of influence?
Feedback (02-06-2008):
"....I think it's great that WDAF is doing a sweeps piece on the bloggers and will hopefully expose problems that bloggers like TonysKansasCity cause. But I'm sad to see them airing it on a Friday night. "As I'm sure you know the only night with lower viewership is Saturday. If they were airing it on an Idol night I'd be giving them a thumbs up... hopefully viewers will decide this is a story worth seeking out. I enjoy the website."
