November 26, 2007
More Web sites embrace freewheeling live shows
A growing number of Web sites are trying to revive appointment viewing by offering live programming. Many of these new online shows incorporate interactive features so viewers can ask questions of hosts or guests through instant messaging, email, phone calls or even Webcams. And, without censors to worry about, these shows can be more freewheeling than standard network programming. The WSJ reports.
"One of the newest programs is "LateNet With Ray Ellin," a twice-monthly talk show that created by Mr. Ellin, a comic who has appeared on Comedy Central.
Mr. Ellin says he modeled his show after David Letterman's, and in the tradition of late-night TV hosts, he begins his show with a monologue, speaks with guests and has a musical act. The guests -- many of them comics, such as Jeff Garlin -- often do a stand-up routine, and spend time with Mr. Ellin commenting on the text and Webcam messages the show receives, which are projected onto a wall of the club, so the live audience can see them.
Another site, ManiaTV, offers 16 live programs, including " Spread Entertainment," a weekly talk show that began this summer. "
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