Blogging, Google Invade Mainstream Media

Two signs that Internet media are steadily moving toward and becoming a driving force in mainstream media (MSM):

• Internet metrics firms Intelliseek and Buzzmetrics have merged, and have in turn been bought by VNU Nielsen. The new venture will be called Nielsen Buzzmetrics. Such interest in Internet and blog traffic by the venerable Nielsen is a sure sign that MSM see value in online content. This should be especially good news for the most popular blogs and websites, which can more easily leverage their popularity in return for ad revenues.


• Google has reportedly bought dMarc Broadcasting, a radio advertising broker in Newport Beach, CA. The plan is to integrate dMarc's radio advertising interface (which lets advertisers schedule and track their ad campaigns) with Google AdWords online advertising system. Google has already followed a similar strategy in print advertising.

Not everyone in MSM, however, is enjoying such synergy with new media. Musicland, which operates the Sam Goody music stores and Suncoast video stores that are fixtures in malls across America, has filed for bankruptcy. The press release notes that "[t]he company attributes their financial difficulties to a diminishing music and movies marketplace, growing competition from big box retailers and the increase of music downloading." [emphasis added] Musicland properties will contine to operate under the terms of the bankruptcy.

Sources: Buzzmachine, USA Today, Long Tail