Historic Online Mass Broadcast by AOL and ABC News

Strategic Insights -

Pope John Paul II's visit to the United States and United Nations marked a significant moment in history, with America Online (AOL) and ABC News collaborating to broadcast the world's first online mass to AOL's 3.5 million members. The event took place at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD, with ABC News providing a text simulcast of the mass, live interviews with Catholic dignitaries, and footage from on-site representatives. AOL members could access the broadcast through various channels, including live interviews, full-color photos, sound, and video.

Key Takeaways:

  • AOL and ABC News collaborated to broadcast the world's first online mass, with 3.5 million AOL members having access to the event.
  • ABC News provided a text simulcast of the mass, live interviews with Catholic dignitaries, and footage from on-site representatives.
  • AOL members could access the broadcast through various channels, including live interviews, full-color photos, sound, and video.
  • Members could also access articles, the Pope's schedule, and up-to-the-minute news from the Catholic News Service, Reuters, and The Associated Press in a special area dedicated to the Pope's visit.
  • AOL members could discuss topical issues related to the Pope's visit on message boards, access related sites on the WWW, and find a wide variety of information about the Vatican, Catholicism, and previous Papal visits.
  • The broadcast was available exclusively to AOL members, with access provided through the Keyword: Pope.

Statistics:

  • 3.5 million AOL members had access to the online mass broadcast.
  • The event marked the first time a Papal mass was broadcast online.
  • AOL's partnership with ABC News provided live coverage of the event, including interviews with Catholic dignitaries and footage from on-site representatives.
  • The broadcast was available exclusively to AOL members, with access provided through the Keyword: Pope.

Sources:

  • America Online and ABC News announcement, October 2, 1995, PRNewswire
  • America Online press release, October 2, 1995, Margaret Ryan, 703-883-1625
  • Quote from Ted Leonsis, President of America Online Services Company
  • Quote from Thomas Lorsung, Director and Editor-in-Chief, Catholic News Service