The NCAA Tournament bracket leak ruined CBS' ridiculously long two-hour selection show, and it also shined the spotlight on how much media has changed over the past five years. I had the opportunity to talk about it on ESPN Radio in Rochester with Dan Borrello and Scott Pitoniak. Check it out here.
Now, when brands have a story, they have a choice: Do we share it "old school" style with a release to the media first and let them break it? Or do WE tell the story first through our own owned and shared channels?
In my mind, the power of the media—and mass media, in general—is still no doubt very strong. However, with anyone now able to broadcast their story (I mean, any of us can broadcast live on our Facebook page), the media needs to adapt. CBS, an idea of a two-hour show in an era where anything can get leaked and go viral within minutes just isn't that bright. I get it; you want to have the exclusivity (somewhat rare in today's day and age) of revealing the brackets. However, do it quickly, because it can get out there before you reveal the entire field, like it did this year.
Now, to the fun of March Madness! #GoCuse!
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