Ohio native launches interactive news community

Original Publication Date – August 7, 2009

A freelance journalist from Ohio is revolutionizing the way people exchange news and information on the Internet.

Rusty Ray, a 38-year old self-described “news junkie”, has launched a cutting edge website – www.big3news.net — that is designed to be informative and interactive.

“We’re trying to incorporate all of the various elements of social networking sites along with the traditional presentation of the news,” Ray stated just days before the official unveiling of the site to the public.

“Big 3 News will have original content from a number of excellent contributors in multiple formats — written postings, on-demand recorded video, and exclusive segments during live broadcasts,” Ray said. “The goal is to make the news come alive for the average web surfer.”

Tools such as Twitter and Skype are being used to connect directly with readers and viewers. Twitter allows people to send short “tweets”, or electronic messages similar to cell phone texting, to people who choose to follow an account.

Skype is an Internet voice application that allows people to discuss news topics during live broadcasts. The show can be accessed from a land line or cell phone via a direct number (1-440-249-6397) where local calling rates apply, or by downloading free software and calling computer-to-computer with the show’s ID of big3news.

At the beginning of each posting, a flashing icon alerts readers to share stories with others using a host of social connection tools.

Featured videos from the popular video-sharing site YouTube and a scrolling Photo Gallery both invite visitors to submit their own content.

An exciting feature being employed on the website is the use of live embedded video and chat.

“We’re still developing how we want to present live shows to our viewers,” Ray explained. “But the idea is to have a ‘one-stop-shop’ where viewers can watch live shows and participate in real-time chat discussion and call in on the air.”

Big 3 News currently has accounts on multiple social broadcasting websites, including BlogTV, UStream, JustinTV, and Live Stream.

Ray says the Internet has not only changed the way people receive news and information, it is also changing the way people connect.

“It’s rewarding and exciting to see people get involved with all aspects of the news. Giving people an outlet to discuss their opinions and comment on the issues of the day is the motivating force of this endeavor.”

Rusty Ray began his broadcasting efforts on Feb. 15, 2008 with live coverage of the Democratic & Republican Presidential primaries. Over the past decade, Ray has participated in or provided news coverage for the following political events:

• George W. Bush – Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, OH (2001); Downtown Square, Troy, OH (2004), Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH (2004); DHL Air Park, Wilmington, OH (2004)
• Dick Cheney – Roberts Centre, Wilmington, OH (2004)
• John McCain & Sarah Palin – Ervin J. Nutter Center, Fairborn, OH (2008)
• Barack Obama & Joe Biden – Dublin High School, Dublin, OH (2008)
• John Kasich – Murphy Theatre, Wilmington, OH (2010)
• Herman Cain – Ohio Christian University, Circleville, OH (2011)
• Rick Santorum – Brown Co. Lincoln Day Dinner, Georgetown, OH (2012)

Big 3 News focuses primarily on topics related to politics, faith and love. However, with the launch of the new website, Ray hopes to expand into more diverse topics while bringing new contributors into the family of news.

The views expressed by the Executive Editor/Host are intended for educational and informational purposes only. Views expressed by show participants or Contributing writers are theirs solely and should not be considered an endorsement by Big 3 News.

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