I was inspired to write this post because I feel on some level I experienced the future of television tonight.

Most people understand that media is evolving rapidly and that television, along with other mediums, will have to change in some way to accommodate and adapt to the new media.

Sure there will be expansion with On Demand programming and eventually I believe you will be able to view whatever you want whenever you want.

However, television will need to be way more interactive in order to maintain it’s relevancy and fit into the new dialogue being propelled by social media.

The question is how will it do that?

Tonight I once again twittered with CNN Host Rick Sanchez on Twitter while watching the Democratic National Convention. Not only does he utilize Twitter to interact with viewers while he is on the air but he also does it when he is off the air and watching with the rest of us.

He expressed some opinions, others did the same and a real dialogue was expressed. Last night we discussed Michelle Obama’s speech:

“she may have actually raised the bar for her husband though luke, don’t you think?”

Tonight I made a suggestion regarding his use of Twitter and he let me know he would look into it with his producer, Chris, while giving me a nickname:

“chris and i will work this out tomorrow for sure, u got it luker.”

How cool is that?

So what does this do? I have seen the Rick Sanchez show on CNN before and never really made any connection with it. It wasn’t bad by any means but I didn’t feel any real bond with it. It was just another show to me.

So what has changed?

What is it now?

How has this little bit of interaction on Twitter changed my perception and awareness of the show?

It is perceived as current and able to communicate with me the way I prefer to communicate. I now feel like I have a connection with the show and have become aware of when it is on and feel like I should watch.

I feel like my opinions are valued and I know they are heard because I actually hear back. The host is now a Tweep (Twitter friend) and not just a talking head and the show has moved successfully from simply another dull and mundane monologue to an interesting, relevant and direct dialogue.

The means may change drastically in the years to come but the idea will remain the same: honestly connect and interact with your audience in the way they prefer to communicate. Social Media is making that easier than ever and shows that don’t utilize it are passing up a huge opportunity to expand and improve their brand along with their ratings.

Just wanted to take the opportunity to tip my hat to a mainstream show attempting to utilize the new and social media. I’ve learned to speak up and encourage good ideas when I see them.