LBC to host AOL's discuss internet debate with podcast

by Alex Donohue, Brand Republic 05-Apr-06, 11:00

LONDON - LBC has created its first bespoke podcast to raise awareness of AOL's John Hurt-voiced 'discuss' ad campaign, which has been encouraging people to consider the positive and negative aspects of the internet.

The campaign, which will appear on air and online from April 4, marks the first time the Chrysalis-owned station has produced a bespoke podcast relating to its on air commercial activity.

Listeners to James O'Brien's mid-morning show on LBC 97.3FM will be encouraged to take part in the "AOL/discuss" campaign and share their opinions on how the internet has shaped the world since its advent. AOL's campaign has so far featured widely on UK TV and in cinemas.

The "AOL/discuss" debates, which asks "some people think the internet is a bad thing, what do you think?", has so far addressed topics ranging from privacy, internet dating, censorship and the internet's role in terrorism to teaching and technological divides. There have also been essays donated by Piers Morgan, Mariella Frostrup, Alistair Campbell and Will Self.

Timothy Ryan, director of brand at AOL UK, said: "Discuss has really captured people's attention and the website has already had more than 1m page impressions.

"With podcasting really taking off in recent months, we're looking forward to seeing how the LBC campaign encourages even more people to take part in the discussion."

The campaign, which is being supported by Vizeum, will also include an outdoor ad campaign to compliment the radio and internet activity.

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