The Fake News

Format: Bi-weekly Video Blog
Length: 2-4 minutes
Genre: Comedy, News, Politics

An animated version of Norm MacDonald delivers a regular dose of Daily Show-quality zingers on the day’s news at a rapid-fire pace. What’s not to like? The Fake News is a product of Ted Turner’s SuperDeluxe, the website that’s been keeping once-Sitcom-caliber comedians busy since 2006. And it has no finer regular program than The Fake News, a lightning-fast dose of current-event chuckles from a truly great comedian.

The animated version of Norm MacDonald, while somewhat restricted in physical expressions, actually seems to free the comedian to the point where he can literally control all creative aspects of the show (other than the actual animation, doubtless) since there is no need to shoot the show in the first place. Norm keeps the humor PG for the most part, however his punchy writing infallibly takes a news story and speaks directly to the point. An exceprt:

“Vice President Dick Cheney met with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to discuss lowering oil prices. After hours of intense discussion, the two arrived at a unanimous conclusion: Naaaah.”

Who would like it: Politics and news junkies who like to laugh.
Demographic: 18-50
Sponsorship Opportunities: Brands targeting educated consumers, particularly Gen X.
Product Placement Opportunities: Elements inside the animated world have sponsorship potential.
Press: (none).

The Onion News Network

Format: Content Channel
Length: 2-4 minutes
Genre: Comedy, News, Politics

At a time when the internet was saturated with Daily Show knock-offs, the premiere source of satirical news for over 20 years, The Onion, took a big risk in unleashing their tongue-in-cheek political news video upon the world. Thankfully it paid off. Benefiting from the freedom of the interactive video format, The Onion has created its own universe in which TV panel discussions have rowdy arguments over how we can raise Darfur’s awareness of how much we are doing for them, Congressmen confess to murdering hobos in a Sizzler parking lot, and political analysts discuss how bullsh*t is the most important issue for voters in the Presidential election.

The Onion releases 2-3 new clips each week which can be found on their website, as well as on YouTube and iTunes. The production team puts great time and care into creating TV-quality segments, and the result is far and away some of the best comedic internet video content. And at a time where the iPod is a more comfortable viewing experience than cable TV, The Onion may just be able to give The Daily Show a run for its money one of these days.

Who would like it: Those interested in politics, current events, and sketch comedy.
Demographic: 18-60
Sponsorship Opportunities: Luxury brands. There is potential for communications companies.
Product Placement Opportunities: If your product is on The Onion, chances are its being torn apart by master comedians.
Press: Boston Globe.

MobLogic

Format: Daily video blog
Length: usually 2-3 minutes
Genre: News & Politics

Let it be known –

MobLogic.tv gets the distinct honor of being the very first show listed on Plentitube.

The new creation from the brilliant team behind Wallstrip,
MobLogic.tv has a driving purpose that is nothing less than to challenge the consumption of news and politics as we know it. This is surprising, given that the show is made in-house by CBS (the network that fired Dan Rather), but already since MobLogic’s launch on March 7, 2008, the show has proven that 1) people on the street actually do have insightful and humorous things to contribute to the conversation about current events, and 2) host Lindsay Campbell is perhaps the most adorable and engaging human being on the planet.

Who would like it: Anyone who follows popular culture, news, or blogs, and does not feel like traditional media coverage is adequate.
Demographic: 18-60
Sponsorship Opportunities: Companies looking for educated consumers both Generation X and middle-aged alike.
Product Placement Opportunities: Wardrobe; “buzzworthy” consumer products can be show topics.
Press: Hollywood Reporter, Mediaweek, Silicon Alley Insider.