Video is a big revenue driver across the web with a lot of ad money attached to it. I guess any content producer wants a piece of that. Even if it ends up being a small percentage then a lot of people are looking at it as another content stream and revenue stream all in one.

On an editorial level the use of video also fills a gap in terms of local content. UK regional TV is just that, regional, not local. There is a niche to be filled. It’s not a model that you can role out regionally but paper by paper. Different things will work in Chorley than would work in Manchester.

In terms of training people up I would always go with more journos in the first instance. It depends on what you train them with. If you buy a boat load of equipment then training takes longer. Train journos cheaper, easier and quicker kit and skills and your may get a better return. It’s the quantity Vs quality debate.

There is also the broader issue of skilling journalists for the 21st century. Understanding and a competent level of use of Multimedia, which video is a subset of, is becoming a core skill. That’s great because it offers more transferable skills in a changing marketplace.

I suppose that’s why I’m more for everyone being trained. 1. Because they can be. 2.At least they get the benefit not just the company

A good overview from Andy Dickinson…….

There’s a couple of other regional sites to mention, who both produce video bulletins from their newsrooms.

http://www.kentmessenger.co.uk
http://www.edp24.co.uk

Kent Messenger in particular is worth a look for the unusually high production value, coming no doubt from their presentation experience with the radio stations they own.