ABC to integrate Facebook and Twitter into programmes

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has teamed up with the Australian Centre for Broadband Innovation to introduce Facebook and Twitter content to its programmes as part of the broadcaster's social media strategy. ABC's manager of new media services, Chris Winter, told Fairfax Media: "It's about allowing people to engage a little more than they have been able to in the past with what they're watching. "One of the great prompters of conversation is what you're watching on the telly. In the past we sat in the lounge room and talked to the person sitting next to us, in the future it will become easier and easier to engage with people who are not in the same room." The broadcaster wants to engage with viewers using smartphones and tablet computers while watching TV content. Developed by National ICT Australia (NICTA), the technology can overlay online discussions currently occurring on Twitter discussion on top of any show across the ABC's multiple channels.