[Robert Scoble & his camera. Moving to FastCompany.TV. Photo by Shel]
In an announcement that was leakier than the Titanic after the iceberg incident, Robert Scoble has announced he will be joining the newly formed FastCompany.TV as it's first managing director. I wish him well and I think Mansueto Digital was wise to select Robert for this post. I also think this news is significant for the online video community as a whole, because it legitimizes what has been a grassroots movement until now.
FastCompany is a highly respected traditional media brand and it's commitment to starting a sponsor-based series of online video programs elevate our industry. I predict that where FastCompany is leading, other traditional media companies will follow.
Scoble is the perfect choice to start this network. His Channel 9 video at Microsoft, seemed to me, to do more to humanize Microsoft than any of the many subsequent events that have softened people's view of Redmond. At Podtech, he built a prototype for how conversational video can be effective in business reporting. With about a million-views-a-month, he also has roved it camn be successful.
Now Scoble joins a real media company, one with a respected brand and a significant following on its own. I think this is important, not just for those of us who champion online video, but for media companies understanding how social media can successfully replace old school broadcast media.
I wish Scoble the very best in this new gig. It is a Golden Opportunity.
