AFN-K videos hit 'YouTube'

  • Published
  • By Capt. Paradon Silpasornprasit
  • AFN-Korea Public Affairs
YONGSAN, Republic of Korea --  Broadcasters here are exploring new cyber territory by posting local products on www.youtube.com, and are enjoying the benefits of using the world's largest video portal. 

The broadcasters are part of a larger experiment that American Forces Network-Korea is conducting to make their video products more user friendly. 

"Military broadcast products are already on The Pentagon Channel, AFN and military Web sites," said Lt. Col. Michael Lawhorn, AFN-Korea commander. "'YouTube' lets us reach audience members who might not normally watch more traditional AFN products, and lets them watch when it's convenient for them," 

Colonel Lawhorn added that YouTube allows loved ones in other parts of the world to see what life is like here, with servicemembers sharing their experiences across the globe. 

So far, 16 stories have been posted, and more will be added in the future. 

YouTube provides broadcast journalists with a ready-made, global audience for their products. The AFN-K Web site already features the stories of the servicemembers stationed in Korea at www.afnkorea.net, but YouTube allows AFN personnel to better determine what audience members really like most. 

"It gives journalists feedback," explained Tech. Sgt. Michael Tateishi, AFN-Osan station manager. 

The Osan team posted a variety of features to find out which types of stories get the most hits or generate the most interest. A recent segment on "Flat Top February" received 1,900 hits within four days of being featured on YouTube. 

Another indicator of audience appeal is the ratings viewers assign the clips. Viewers can rate video postings on a scale of one-to-five. 

In addition to a larger audience and instant customer feedback, posting news videos on YouTube also allows the videos to remain available to viewers for a greater period of time. Although viewers can go to AFN-K's Web site to see additional features, AFN-K continuously turns those stories over to make room for current news. 

"AFN-Korea can only hold so much space for video," Sergeant Tateishi explained. "With YouTube, it's unlimited and indefinite, and you get a great quality video product."
Another benefit of the site's global reach is the recruiting aspect. Those who might consider enlisting in the service can get a full-color, real-world, moving image of military life. 

"It's a great recruiting tool," Sergeant Tateishi said. "Potential servicemembers can see a wide variety of military experiences." 

For now, the postings remain part of a four-month pilot program. To view these AFN-K stories, visit www.youtube.com/afnkorea. For all AFN-K stories log on to www.afnkorea.net.