ABC News 24 integrates with social media

Australia’s public broadcaster announced the integration of its ABC News 24 programs into YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, enabling viewers to watch live news within their favourite social network. It means users no longer need to leave these platforms to access the live ABC News 24 stream online.

“Now when news breaks, viewers can watch rolling news unfold live without leaving their social networks. They can tweet, post comments, and share live events with contacts and friends while continuing to watch ABC News 24 in the same browser window,” said ABC News 24 Controller Gaven Morris.

The new service is made possible through ‘YouTube live streaming’, and ABC News 24 is the first Australian broadcaster to take advantage of the platform. “This exciting innovation is another example of the ABC expanding the way audiences can engage with news, and it provides another option to watch News 24 online,” Mr Morris said. “We have been in the YouTube space for some time with ABC News content, but we’re really looking at how we can develop and strengthen our overall YouTube strategy.”

ABC News’ existing YouTube channel receives one million views a month, and recently made international headlines when it captured Julia Gillard’s accusations of misogyny in Federal Parliament – which was viewed more than two million times.

The service is available from today and can be accessed through YouTube at www.youtube.com/NewsOnABC.