With Meerkat & Periscope, Meta Morning Shows

By Chris Ariens 

PeriscopeThe network morning shows went live this morning… just like they have for the last 50 years!

But this time they went live to demonstrate new live streaming apps Meerkat and Periscope. Both “Good Morning America” and the “Today” show played around with the new Twitter app Periscope, which launched 24 hours ago. Meerkat, which debuted at SXSW earlier this month, was introduced to “CBS This Morning” viewers last Monday. Staffers on “CTM” are now testing Periscope.

Having signed up for Periscope yesterday afternoon, we perked up this morning when the snappy whistle alert (which will get annoying soon) told us that both “GMA” and the “Today” show had launched live streams. “Today’s” originated from inside the 1A control room. We watched along with about 100 others during a commercial break as producers and directors prepared for the following segment, which was all about the new apps.

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In a very meta moment, the Periscope live stream,  made it on the air as Carson Daly explained what the apps can do. They allow anyone with a smartphone to broadcast live from wherever, whenever, in a matter of seconds. All that is needed is the app, and a cell or wifi signal strong enough to transmit. Yesterday’s building explosion, fire and collapse in Manhattan’s East Village was prime territory for Periscopers, who were on scene before the traditional New York media.

Back on the “Today” show, as the live stream app segment concluded, Savannah Guthrie Meerkated Carson Daly, as Daly Periscoped right back. Dozens watched on the apps, while millions watched at home. So meta.

Early adopter Al Roker has been on both services since launch. Last night, he Periscoped from Miami Beach.  Late adopter Matt Lauer is just fine with the old way of doing things. “Or,” Lauer said this morning. “We can read a book!”

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