Is vlogging, or video-blogging, the new way to start a career in media? This week two prominent vloggers on the web are poised for bigger and better careers on both traditional and web-based platforms. One of my favorite sites, Rocketboom, has announced that their resident host/reporter, Amanda Congdon, is leaving, while another well known vlogger, Brooke “Brookers” Brodack of YouTube fame, may be making the jump to television or at the very least a more professional webcast.
Congdon’s departure, as reported by Valleywag, was caused by her wanting to move to California and Rocketboom not having the resources to move its operation there, too. As sad as I am at the possible loss of Rocketboom, it seems to be the right move for her. She received two pretty big offers shortly after leaving: from PodTech and Jason Calacanis. Calacanis offered her a news show on his site Netscape. These are both pretty big and would be a lot of exposure for her.
A younger and perhaps less widely known vlogger, Brodack, whose video diary is very popular on YouTube, has been approached by Carson Daly Productions. The story in Podcasting News discusses how Daly believes Brodack has a unique talent. “She’s got a fresh point of view, considerable directing skills and a great sense of music and how to use it.” Daly wants to help her develop something for television, webcast, a mobile series or some combination of the three. Brodack’s videos mainly focus on music and entertainment stories and her random thoughts.
The advice I’d give to all the future reporters, directors or actors out there is to buy a camera and start a video-blog because that seems to be the new way of getting yourself noticed.
Article comments
1 - Virginia Dare
I think that it is still an issue of quality. Whatever you do, put yourself out there. If you're good you'll get noticed. But I think you're right, its easier now than ever before to put yourself "out there"...but, you should work on the being good part first. With so many options available to people...
2 - steve garfield
In this article you write:
"Congdon’s departure, as reported by Valleywag, was caused by her wanting to move to California and Rocketboom not having the resources to move its operation there, too."
Seems to me that Rocketboom could be produced from LA with a camera a map and an FTP connection.
I know you say, "as reported by Valleywag", but that's just compunding the initial shallow research. Check the NY Times article on the Rocketboom story to see how a real news article is written.
3 - Stacy Andell
I'd like to reply to Mr. Garfield. First, I'm not a professional journalist but a fan. Second, check your dates the "real" stories from NY Times, ABC, CNN, etc. came after my post. I was using the information available at the time.
But thanks for the constructive criticism.
4 - steve garfield
Thanks Stacy for the reply.