Saturday, April 5, 2008

NHL Finally Figures Out New Media?

It appears that this coming Wednesday will herald a big change at NHL.com. The website will be host to NHL Online which is described as a seven-channel digital network - really? they have digital on computers these days? - which will bring you further inside the league than you could ever imagine.

The biggest issue I've had with the NHL - ok, maybe just one of the issues - has been the lack of access to interesting content. From hot dog reviews by Rick Dipietro to shopping sessions with Alexander Ovechkin, this appears to be taking steps to remedy that.

In today's world, online video is huge and second-nature and the NHL tried to answer with the NHL.tv portal earlier this year. The final grade? A giant F. The filing system is confusing at best, videos are rarely updated - who wants to watch a pre-game media conference two days after the game? - and where are these "Classic Games" that are supposed to be there?

So will this be the panacea to keep casual and hardcore fans interested in the game? Or will they launch this and fail at the ultimate litmus test of all online endeavours: regular updated content.

Related Links
NHL all the time with NHL Online

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