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In a series of announcements this week we see more evidence that every media company - whether broadcast, cable, or internet - is beginning to flesh out an internet video strategy.  This is great news for anyone looking to build a career in digital video production.

The Weather Channel Interactive redesigned its Internet video player — dubbed Blue Box — with the aim of making video content easier to navigate and providing more advertising real estate.  Blue Box features five “channels”: Forecasts, Lifestyle, News/Breaking Weather, Severe Weather and On The Weather Channel. It provides both broadband-only content as well as programming from TWC.

The new player also provides three areas for advertising: video spots in the main window; banners below the playlist; and overlays on top of the playlist. Blue Box uses DoubleClick’s In-Stream video-ad serving system to schedule, target and forecast video ads and Brightcove’s video-publishing system. Weather Channel Interactive also cut a deal with Home Depot on an ad campaign which includes the launch of a Web microsite devoted to home improvement projects, including videos to help users with home repair and remodeling projects. 

ABC News is expanding Good Morning America – on the network’s broadband channel ABC News Now.  GMA Now premieres Tuesday at 9 a.m. on ABC News Now, right after the GMA broadcast signs off, and will consist of original interviews and segments on such topics as health, lifestyle and entertainment.

 The new program also will include a “Talk Back” component through which viewers can upload video questions. 

Finally, Facebook is integrating personalized online video lineups allowing members to upload their own videos and create a My Channel lineup that others can tune to, using tech from Pyro.TV.

The trend is clear - video is becoming more and more mainstream and primary internet content.

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