Think people are going to use the iPad browser to visit your local media website? Think again. The iPad’s lack of support for Flash video is a big problem for locals. Most local websites run Flash video, so the iPad will mean there will be no uptick in views for the locals. This is no small matter. We need to be prepared to offer video in mobile-friendly formats now. The time has come. If you work with a third-party contractor, you need to push them to offer more flavors of video than just Flash (or, heaven forbid, Windows and Real). If you have your own CMS, time to have your developers do the same.
Better still, offer a special iPad app with content native to the device. You need to develop apps anyway, so now is the time. I’ve seen some amazing demos. This isn’t a simple matter of porting your RSS feed — you really need to start thinking about how people use mobile devices.
The mobile space right now is akin to the web arena of the late ’90s and early ’00s. Taking a “wait-and-see” attitude will kill you. Invest in your future and start developing.