The Wild Times - Travel industry news published by the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

ACVB Launches The 49th Reel for Podcast Users

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.

ACVB members are invited to display their own product videos* in the www.49thReel.com. Sign up before Nov. 15, 2006, and receive up to six bonus weeks of air time.

Rates begin at $500, and are dependent on video format and file size. Contact your membership representative for more information and to discuss options for producing a new video. *ACVB reserves the right to refuse video based on quality.

"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. Since its launch on Sept. 12, 2006, the 49th Reel has had over 12,209 page views.

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 more effectively deliver the experience rather than simply providing static content.”

According to Nielsen/NetRatings, approximately nine 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. More