Newsdesk, the Nottingham-based IT news service, has launched a video
news release (VNR) sampling facility, taking on-line news into the
broadcast arena for the first time.
Developed over the last six months in collaboration with IBM and VNR
company Medialink, Video Newsdesk runs along the same lines as its
sister service for text and graphics.
Journalists and researchers who download via an Internet site can gain
access to a series of 30-second video clips on products and company news
from within the IT sector. Requests for copies of the full video
releases can then be made via e-mail to Medialink, Video Newsdesk’s
supplier.
The service is provided free to registered end users and is funded by
the companies supplying the material.
So far only IBM, which sponsored development work for the service, and
Hewlett-Packard have placed samples on the site, although Newsdesk is
hoping to attract more clients and to develop the service to carry full
video programmes of broadcast quality.
Manager Vicky Threlsall pointed out that Video Newsdesk could also
benefit PR firms seeking to use their resources more efficiently.
‘Newsdesk is all about freeing up peoples’ time,’ she said. ‘Journalists
can get all the information they need and PR operators can concentrate
on what they do best, which is building up contacts.’
