If CNN is asking viewers to “go there” with them, its sister network HLN is going directly to social media to reinvent itself.
HLN unveiled upcoming changes to its lineup at its upfront presentation Thursday in New York City, and it all revolves around social media. “The Daily Share” will premiere later this year; a one-hour news program produced in Atlanta that shows what people are watching, searching, playing, sharing, shopping, and creating on social media.
A series of currently in-development reality shows will also debut, including “2 Spouses, 3 Houses,” where YouTube star Jessica Edwards looks at couples’ social media habits to find their dream home; “What’s Trending,” hosted by co-founder of @whatstrending Shira Lazar, and more.
The network also formally announced a creative partnership with Twitter. For more, head to Lost Remote.
“I think it’s going to be evolutionary,” network EVP and GM Albie Hecht told TVNewser about HLN’s shift to becoming the social media network. Hecht will talk about HLN’s evolution and more as a panelist at the TVNewser Show on April 29 in NYC.
“It’s going to work for a news channel,” “Morning Express” host Robin Meade told us, saying the news business is shifting to more of a two-way conversation with the audience. “It’s almost like a Nielsen immediate,” she added about the instant feedback social media gives anchors about viewer interest in particular stories.
“Television is changing, and people don’t just sit there passively…they want to participate,” Jane Velez-Mitchell told us, also joking that her trademark on-air battles with guests will evolve. “I’m happy to have some Twitter battles…I’ll take the battle wherever I have to go.”