The BlogTalkRadio Blog

Last week we sent out an email to our hosts giving them a sneak peak as to what the long awaited new site design will look like. We also sent our hosts a survey covering many aspects of the Blogtalkradio service offering. We have been quite pleased by the number of responses and the feedback we have received. Listeners or hosts that would like to respond to the survey and have a chance to $100 Itunes gift card can do so by clicking here.

We value each and every host that utilizes the Blogtalkradio platform. Since our launch one year ago, more than 7,000 citizen journalists have broadcast on our network. We are especially appreciative of the many hosts that have been using this platform week after week and month after month.

This leads me to Michael and Erica Baker of Bakermedia. Not only have Michael and Erica hosted a daily show called Er Time at 11:30am EST, they have been an integral part of our design team for the new website. Many ideas for the new site were developed and conceived by Michael and his team. I encourage you to check out their work here.

Alan

The interview between Ed Morrissey of CQ Radio and Tom Cole, the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee is up on YouTube, complete with visual aid.

In light of recent doubt over whether the Republicans should participate in the YouTube Debate format that the Democrats held the other day, Captain Ed asked Tom Cole his opinion about these doubts and if he thinks his party should participate in a similar debate in September.

Cole replies with a resounding yes, that the Republicans would be remiss to turn down the opportunity to discuss issues submitted online.

He seems to agree with the sentiment of a memo that is circulating. It urges Republican voters to support this debate format, and that to neglect the importance of new media to influence the upcoming election would be detrimental to the party’s chances in 2008.

It’s very appropriate that a YouTube contributor named techRepublican posted the BlogTalkRadio interview laid over video clips from the CNN/YouTube Democratic debate. We can visualize the importance of the ideas he mentions.

Using the live audio that aired on BlogTalkRadio urging the GOP to participate along with video from the first debate drives home the importance of new media to convey political messages, and to unite and motivate voters, from all political leanings.

Listen to Ed’s interview with NRCC Chairman Tom Cole here.

Watch the corresponding YouTube video here.

Hilary

We’re in for a treat when Meagan Tandy, Miss California USA 2007, and one of the 5 finalists for the Miss USA title, joins hosts Plunket P and Shawn Pelofsky on InDaNo at 10pm EST.

Meagan placed third runner-up in the Miss USA pageant held in March, and is only the fourth African-American Miss California USA.

In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, Meagan is very passionate and active in public service and assisting the Women on the Move Network, and the Whose Your Hero mentoring program. Meagan is also an advocate for local city missions where she and a team of volunteers collect food and clothing for the less fortunate.

She’s not just a beauty pageant winner and model, but she’s a role model and we extend a warm welcome to Miss California 2007 to the BTR airwaves on InDaNo.

Catch Meagan LIVE at 10pm EST.

Hilary

Well the BlogHer Conference in Chicago is coming to a close, but I thought anyone who has been reading about my adventures here might also want some visuals.

So here are some of my favorite snapshots from the event. Enjoy!!

Kristen Chase broadcasting Mominatrix Radio at the Friday cocktail party.

A line of eager BlogHer attendees waiting to tell the Mominatrix their hot conception stories.

The Whipping Boy and the Mominatrix with all their gear and professional mics (using Skype!)

Fellow bloggers joining the conversation.

Finally meeting Denise Wakeman of The Blog Squad!

What a great time I had representing BlogTalkRadio at BlogHer 2007 and meeting hosts and many listeners!

Hilary

The best thing about the BlogHer Conference in Chicago so far is meeting so many of our esteemed BlogTalkRadio hosts in person (not to mention meeting various guests and callers from shows, and tons of listeners).

Participating in the interactive live broadcast at the cocktail party last evening with Mominatrix Radio with dozens of fans gathered around seemed like it might be the highlight of the conference.

So many fans have been coming out of the woodwork who are familiar with us and what we do. They listen live to shows, or to archives, and love what we’re about and how we can bring another dimension to blogging.

That’s why I was thrilled to read that Denise Wakeman from The Blog Squad, co-host of Blogging and Beyond on BlogTalkRadio will be moderating a panel called “Book to Blog and Back Again” about writing across the two mediums.

I can’t wait to meet Denise in person and take part in the discussion!

Hilary