Social Media Takes Over The World (Well At Least The Sports World)

Following the recent success CNN has realized using social media tools like Twitter, another Turner Network station is set to jump onboard. To help promote TNT’s NBA Playoff coverage and “40 Games in 40 Nights” campaign the station will be giving viewers an inside look through Facebook and Twitter.

TNT plans to setup Twitter accounts for in-studio anchors Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith, as well as several courtside reporters. The goal is to give people inside access to the playoffs and a chance to interact with on-air talent. Questions and comments coming through the social platforms will be displayed onscreen and discussed by the studio talent. The station also has plans to promote their social efforts through major rich media banner ads on Yahoo Sports and YouTube.com

Turner Networks certainly seems to be leading the way for television stations adopting social media tactics, integrating them into past television programming such as:

· NBA All-Star Week

· Barak Obabma’s Inauguration

· CNN News Shows

While the recent ADWeek.com article detailing TNT’s upcoming NBA Playoff social campaign makes no mention of advertising, it is likely that there will be some type of promotion given to either sponsors or network shows. After all, what good is capturing all of those eyes if you can’t gently push them to perform a desired action?

About the Author: Eric Kardesh

As a member of Off Madison Ave's public relations team Eric provides strategic planning and tactical support to client accounts. He focuses on the creation of client tools, public relations documents and engages in actively pitching local and national media on a daily basis. In addition, Eric works closely with the agency's interactive team to implement public relations initiatives within the social media realm and assist in the execution of integrated projects. Eric graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in human communication.