BBG Watch
Some say that the United States is losing the information war to Russia. What would be a better way to find out than to watch some of last week’s and this week’s “coolest” videos from U.S. taxpayer-funded Voice of America (VOA) and Russian state multimedia outlet RT (formerly Russia Today) and to compare their social media stats.
We called these videos “coolest” for an ulterior motive. We admit, we wanted to get your attention, but we hope you won’t be disappointed. You may be amused, shocked, or both, but you may also have a better idea how the U.S. and Russia are doing in the information war, at least in the competition between VOA and RT among English speaking social media users worldwide. This is not by any means a small or insignificant group and includes millions of media savvy and well educated people outside of the United States — Middle East, Africa, Eurasia, Latin America. RT YouTube stats do not appear to be driven primarily by U.S. viewers. RT America YouTube video with Seymour Hersh had fewer views than the same video on RT International YouTube account.
Considering the target audience, you can also compare production values of both media organizations and draw your own conclusions. If any of the videos do not load on your computer or a mobile device, try clicking on the title links or links to Facebook and YouTube.
We really do not think that President Putin hockey video was cool, but it was hilarious. It was posted on YouTube at about the same time as the VOA Pentagon video. We selected two short World War II Victory anniversary videos and two news interview/news report videos.
VOICE OF AMERICA VIDEO
10,117 Facebook Views May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET (Published May 16)
541 Facebook Likes May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET
485 YouTube Views May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET (Published May 14)
5 YouTube Likes May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET
New Military Technology Goes Public
Published (VOA website) May 15, 2015
The Pentagon has showcased some of the military’s newest technology in its first ever Defense Department Lab Day. Our Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb was there to see the inventors show off the latest gadgets.
RT VIDEO
73,405 Facebook Views May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET (Published May 16)
3,249 Facebook Likes May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET
21,471 YouTube Views May 17, 2015, 1:33 AM ET
692 YouTube Likes May 17, 2015, 1:33 AM ET
Putin puts his skates on for NHL, scores 8 goals (VIDEO)
Putin hits the ice for hockey match in Sochi
Vladimir Putin Night Ice Hockey joins the Night Hockey league match in Sochi.
Posted by RT on Saturday, May 16, 2015
VOICE OF AMERICA VIDEO
Not posted by VOA on Facebook
YouTube Views 218 May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET (Published May 8)
YouTube Likes 1 May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET
WWII Victory Flyover Reaction
Published May 08, 2015
VOA Correspondents Jim Malone and Andre Denesnera comment on the WW II Victory Flyover on the National Mall, May 8, 2015.
RT VIDEO
70,770 Views Facebook Views May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET (Published May 10)
7,745 Facebook Likes May 17, 2015, 12:43 AM ET
#Victory70: T-90 tanks roll through Red Square for WW2 victory anniversary
#Victory70: T-90 tanks roll through Red Square for WW2 victory anniversary
T-90 and Armata tanks roll through Red Square for May 9th parade.Watch the full #Victory70 day parade from Moscow: https://youtu.be/pPCXiyo-3L8
Posted by RT on Sunday, May 10, 2015
VOICE OF AMERICA VIDEO
Clinton Remains Strong in Polls Despite Questions
YouTube Views 301 May 17, 2015, 2:15 AM ET (Published May 8)
YouTube Likes 0 May 17, 2015, 2:15 AM ET
RT VIDEO
YouTube Views 11,808 May 17, 2015, 2:15 AM ET (Published May 12)
YouTube Likes 242 May 17, 2015, 2:15 AM ET
‘Old, sick man, who was going to be murdered’ – Seymour Hersh on Bin Laden ‘raid’