CNN’s Amanpour: The Power Of The Internet?

Did you ever see the interviews of Christiane Amanpour on CNN? She has really coined the claim: The power of the interview. Beside great interviews, I would also like to tell you why she has also coined the term: The power of the internet…

Where most broadcasters still struggle how to connect users to their show with the help of social media, CNN really seems to have found a great format or formula.

First, please take a look at the Amanpour website on CNN. The site is crystal clear in navigation and usability. But the site also offers you many opportunties to stay connected to the show or be part of the show.

On the Amanpour Blog viewers can join the conversation, share their views, ideas and suggestions on the program’s headlines. But they can also check out the articles, videos and a behind the scenes look.

Via the Amanpour Daily Podcast viewers can watch the entire program on their handheld device or online.

Of course viewers can subscribe to get RSS feeds and e-mail alerts. And yes people can even e-mail the show’s team.

And viewers can get the latest updates from the Amanpour show team on the Facebook Fan page and Twitter.

And viewers can watch the interviews in the webcasts and submit their own films.

What am I trying to state here? That CNN has really integrated internet and social media in a relevant and smart way. WHat can other broadcasters (and brands) learn from this approach?

Connect viewers to your show! Ask them to submit their questions for the guests on a blog, Facebook or Twitter. Let the show host or anchor put the viewers questions to your guests.

You could almost call it: doing it the Obama way. Yes, social media marketing can be this simple. Just treat your audience like you care about them. Small effort or a big step in mentality and DNA?