Video marks step toward future of ANR news.

I've blogged about the past and present of ANR news. Today, I have the privilege of blogging about the future. In the age of YouTube, this will not seem to be a big step, especially to under-40-year-olds. But to those of us whose childhood was recorded on 8mm film and viewed only twice when a clacking projector was dragged out of the closet, it is significant.

Today, the first ANR news video was posted on our Web site. The story was conducive to visuals. Live sheep graze in a research vineyard surrounded by beautiful scenery. At one point, two Canada geese soar across the background as UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Morgan Doran answers questions about his research.

Right now, the three-minute video launches as soon as you go to the site. UC ANR's video professionals in Communications Services are working on refining the video output. Soon there will be on-screen controls and other refinements.

We plan to continue providing the media with a closer look at UC research and extension programs though the use of this technology and others developed in the future.

Sheep in a research vineyard at Hopland REC.

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