New York Times Turns Cameras On Itself with ‘TimesCast’

While their brethen at broadcast news divisions are used to being on camera, now print journalists at The New York Times will have their chance at some face time on TimesCast, a new daily video news program that takes viewers inside the newsroom.

Launched yesterday, TimesCast will be available on the homepage of NYTimes.com, (debuting from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time) and on the mobile site: mobile.nytimes.com., and goes behind the scenes to focus on the breaking news stories that the Times’ editorial staff is covering that day. Specifically, the content originates from the editors’ daily Page One Meeting, which is captured and produced by the Times’ video team. Individual reporters will also be showcased during The Round Up as they discuss the stories and topics on their current agenda. Today’s TimesCast segment features Executive Editor Bill Keller who weighs in on Obama’s big victory today in the health care reform effort, as well as tension between Israel and Great Britian.

According to a New York Times spokesperson, overall the reporters and editors have been receptive to the idea as well as the cameras that spotlight them as they’re in the process of developing and reporting upcoming stories before they’re featured in the newspaper and online.

The New York Times, which already produces 100 original videos per month, continues to be a leader in one of the hottest trends in digital media and incorporates branding possibilites for advertisers. FedEx is the sponsor for the intial launch of TimesCast.

An archive of the TimesCast segments will be featured on www.nytimes.com/timescast.