News Release
ACVB Launches Podcast Web Site Featuring Anchorage Activities
Anchorage, Alaska – Sept. 12, 2006 – The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has officially launched its podcast Web site, www.49threel.com, featuring some of the most exciting events and activities Alaska’s largest city has to offer. Several months ago, ACVB teamed up with Alpenglow Productions to shoot, write and edit the first nine podcast stories, which include Fur Rendezvous, the Last Great Race, Resident Moose, Salmon Run Wild, Summer in the City, Top Trail Town, Marathon: a Family Affair, Winter Trio and July 4th Celebration. Web site users can watch videos online or download to an Ipod.
“The 49th Reel is another tool ACVB is utilizing to capture the attention of visitors and engage them with the unique and amazing travel experiences available in and around Anchorage,” said Lisa Emery, administrator for ACVB’s Internet marketing and Web programs.
Studies show Internet use is climbing at an annualized rate of 18 percent and now has one billion users. According to Dr. Jakob Nielsen, one of the world’s foremost experts in Web usability, another billion users are expected to follow in the next 10 years. ACVB is tapping into this trend while allowing travelers interested in visiting Anchorage, Alaska, to see and hear what it’s really like.
“Video is a powerful form of media that is both entertaining and informative in nature,” said Emery. “Using sight, sound, and emotion to sell Anchorage as a destination allows ACVB to be more effective in delivering the experience rather than simply providing static content.”
As broadband connections have increased, statistics show more Internet users are looking for video and music files. Video sites such as www.YouTube.com are seen as some of the hottest properties on the Web.
According to Nielsen/NetRatings, approximately 9 million U.S. Web users or 6.6 percent of the American adult online population, have recently downloaded an audio podcast. Nielsen’s data shows 5.6 million people have recently downloaded a video podcast.
In an article by Nielsen/Net Ratings, analyst Michael Lanz said the portability of podcasts makes them especially appealing to young, on-the-go audiences. Neilsen’s data shows young people online are more likely than their older counterparts to download audio or video podcasts. Those between the ages of 18 and 24 are nearly twice as likely as the average to download audio podcasts. Video podcast downloaders tend to be a little older, with 24 – 34 year olds being the dominant group, followed by 18 – 24 and 35 – 44 year olds.
Bridge Ratings conducted another study indicating the podcast audience is expected to reach an average of 60 million users by 2010. The study shows that currently, about 20 percent of users download an average of six podcasts per week and spend approximately four hours a month listening to the podcasts.
From a traffic standpoint, video is a new means to lure traffic to www.Anchorage.net through www.49thReel.com, get them excited about things to do and see in Anchorage and ultimately connect them with an ACVB member.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
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Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
