Steve Grove, head of news and politics at Google-owned YouTube, announced the creation of the channels, youtube.com/senatehub, and youtube.com/househub, in a post on the YouTube blog on Monday that also featured appearances in a YouTube video by the Democratic and Republican leaders of the chambers.

‘Both Democratic president-elect Barack Obama and his Republican rival John McCain made heavy use of YouTube during the presidential race, posting official campaign videos on the site and encouraging its use by supporters.

Since his November 4 election victory, Mr Obama has also been putting his weekly addresses to the nation on YouTube.

‘Find your Senator and Representative on YouTube and make a connection … and if your elected representative doesn’t have a YouTube channel yet, give them a call or an email and encourage them to get started,’ Mr Grove said.

‘These YouTube channels have the potential to make Congress more transparent and accessible than ever before – but only if you continue to connect and engage with your government on the site,’ he added.

To read the full article from the Straits Times, click here.

Marketing through Youtube, why?

• In Aug 2006, video views reached 1.73 billion (source: Wall Street Journal)
• Youtube’s user base is broad in age range, 18-55, divided between males and females, and spanning all geographies. Fifty-one percent of users go to YouTube weekly or more often, and 52 percent of 18-34 year-olds share videos often with friends and colleagues. (source: YouTube)
• Viral nature of videos offers potential exponential return on marketing
• It’s free! (developing your custom video is another matter)

That’s why.