Newspapers Are Going ‘Widget’-Happy

The AP looks at how newspapers are using widgets — small, stand-alone programs people can place on their own web pages or desktops — to “draw in new readers and to boost their brands throughout the Internet.”

In a way, it’s an extension of news feeds and another example that a person doesn’t have to come to your website to read your stories or see your advertising.

It would be great to have the Statesman provide a Longhorn sports update, or a local music calendar with notifications about my favorite bands. There’s an great opportunity here for local media to extend the reach of their most popular features.