VidBlogger Nation (2011)

VidBlogger Nation is the first-ever Social TV Network. The network is available in 10 key Comcast markets, including: Atlanta, Denver, Michigan, New England, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon), Sacramento, San Francisco, and South Florida. Each market is anchored by local talent that maintain strong Facebook and Twitter followings, in addition to having personal blogs, vlogs and fan sites. Programming consists of colorful three-to-five-minute episodes on topics that range from 'Naked Cocktails' (a look at best non-alcoholic bars and happy hours) and 'Awesome Wi-Fi' (where to go for the best free wi-fi) to 'Haunted Places' (visiting sites supposedly haunted by local spirits) and 'Music Mania' (a review of the vidblogger's favorite music). The vidbloggers create, shoot and edit their pieces in their own unique style and these are availble on demand as local and national segments. The light, upbeat first-person narrative of the VidBlogger Nation episodes capture idiosyncratic moments in the local markets that relate to the bloggers' personalities. The resulting video is an essay that is more personal and journal-like without becoming a travelogue or a news documentary. Story concepts originate from both SimplyNew and the local talent.