"NPR boosts online offerings, seeks larger audience"--that headline points us toward one more entrant into the social-networking marketplace.
The Associated Press' Anick Jesdanun gets right to the point in this story:
National Public Radio, already strong online with free downloads from many of its shows, is boosting its digital ambitions with Monday's introduction of social-networking features akin to Facebook.
As noted here at TCG, social networks increase "stickiness" at a site--the more there is to see and do--and the more people to communicate with--the longer people will stay. And that's good for any online enterprise, public or private. The AP piece quotes Dana Davis Rehm, described as NPR's "senior vice president for strategy and partnerships," laying it out:
Rehm said fundraising is a key source of anxiety [for local affiliates, worried about being crowded by the national outfit], but if done right, a strong Internet presence could bring "more giving from more people."
"Consumers' expectations are changing, and our audience wants more flexibility," said Darren Mauro, a digital media director at NPR. "To be realistic, the Internet is a fast-moving place. That makes everybody nervous on one level, and everyone sees new opportunities on another."
That's for sure.
