Facebook announces Channel 4 as API partner
Facebook has announced that Channel 4 will be the next UK broadcaster to make use of its Application Programming Interface (API) tools, which allow the company to watch social media reaction to their programmes unfold in real time.
The partnership will see the channel make use of the tool on three programmes: Made in Chelsea, Sunday Brunch and Channel 4 News.
The API tools offered by Facebook are powered by keywords and consist of a public feed, which will allow channel four to see user comments, and a key word insight interface which will allow producers access to anonymous statistics relating to the demographics of people commenting on the programmes.
A statement from Facebook highlighted the possibility the tools offer for a real time public discussion of television:
"In the old days, people would gather around the office water cooler to discuss what they watched on TV the night before. Today the water cooler is online, and on Facebook. We’re focused on building tools and partnerships to better connect people with the TV programming they love, and we’re excited to continue expanding our partnerships around the world to support this effort."
Channel 4 is the second UK broadcaster to enter into such a partnership after Sky signed up with plans to use the tools to display audience questions on sports chat show 'What’s The Story?'