If you think Facebook is just a fad, consider it’s crowdsoucing ability for content and even main stream media guests like Betty White on networks like NBC and pop culture shows like SNL! Also, consider the potential for grassroots campaign like the “Get Betty White to Host SNL” campaign. Social networking has the ability to affect mainstream media and pop culture like no other medium in history. With a high profile, members assembling into crowds based on interests and causes, you can begin to see the utility of the tool for more than just connecting with old friends and classmates.
If you are like me, you haven’t watched SNL regularly since college. But, after almost a decade of considering SNL irrelevant, I tuned in this Saturday to see the results of one of the most successful grass roots Facebook campaigns in the social network’s history. If you missed it, 88 year old veteran actress/comedian, Betty White crushed it! White’s hosting stint on “Saturday Night Live” brought in the biggest audiences in nearly two years for the NBC sketch comedy show. This weekend’s program topped all prime-time shows on major networks, according to preliminary numbers. Final numbers are due later this week. [EW]. What was even better that bearing witness to this viral phenomenon was Ms. White herself – who was funnier than hosts ¼ of her age!
Lorne Michaels capitulated to a 500K fan strong campaign on Facebook with some hesitation, concerned that the show might be too much for an 88 year old woman. Michaels even hedged his bet by lining up veteran cast members like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph and Molly Shannon to give White comedic support. That hedge, proved to be unnecessary. White’s performance was spot on and laugh out loud funny. Her ability to poke fun at Facebook in her monologue and deliver dead pan lines about her “dusty muffin” were revitalizing for the show and a boon to ratings. Reception from fans and critics alike was mostly positive, and a day later White’s gig is leading Google searches and Twitter conversations.
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