As part of our coverage of the Search Engine Strategies 2008 event in Chicago (SES Chicago 2008), we have interviewed Mark Lassoff, a noted entrepreneur and founder of the Internet Broadcasting Group. Mark was very kind and patient (thank you Mark!), and agreed to address a few of the questions you have submitted.

Otilia Otlacan: Online streaming media – audio or visual – is perceived to be really taking off, eating away audience from traditionally broadcast media. Is that a reality, or a myth? What is the growth rate of audio and video consumption online?

Mark Lassoff: Reality.

This is a great question. There have been many published studies which have show two simultaneous trends: The growth of online media consumption and the decline of traditional media consumption. The big question remains is one causing the other. I would say, in part, yes. However traditional media is often being its own worst enemy.

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“JingleConnect” Enables Free Directory Assistance Leader to Extend Network of 130,000 Advertisers to Other Companies Seeking In-Call Revenue

BEDFORD, Mass. – Jingle Networks, Inc., the leader in free advertiser-supported directory assistance and operator of 1-800-FREE411, has launched “JingleConnect,” an in-call advertising network service to connect advertisers with millions of ready-to-buy consumers. Using its own ad-serving technology, Jingle Networks will help advertisers and companies with high call volume earn revenue by selling in-call ad time – a proven way to reach consumers via a one-to-one calling environment.

JingleConnect allows any company with high call volume to easily and seamlessly insert audio advertisements in their calls, by taking advantage of Jingle’s existing base of more than 130,000 advertisers on 1-800-FREE411. Jingle’s technology can distribute audio advertising to other companies that operate call centers, information lines, or any calling environment where their consumers are on hold.
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