Call For Entries For Online Video Contest Underway

Rosalind "Bee" Harris, DUS Publisher and Journalist

Comedian Samuel Adams

Denver, CO (BlackNews.com 4/9/09) - April 2009 not only marks the 22nd anniversary of the Denver Urban Spectrum, but also a new era for the paper. While decreased advertising and a bad economy have hit DUS as hard as any media organization, these challenges also present new opportunities for growth for an already vibrant Denver institution.

It was only a year ago that DUS unveiled its Web site, denverurbanspectrum.com, as a platform to publish print edition content online. Now, denverurbanspectrum.com has become more than just an online newspaper, but a way to better serve its purpose of bringing together people of color and effectively meeting their news, information and entertainment needs.

"We are making every effort possible to change with the times and continue to provide our readers with what they have enjoyed over the last 22 years in a new and refreshed format -- and more," said DUS publisher Rosalind "Bee" Harris. "Our enhanced focus and format not only spreads the news but connects people with people -- locally, nationally and internationally."

The Spectrum has created ConnectMe, a social network site designed and destined to become the premiere online space for people of color. Everyone is encouraged to become a member; create a free profile, and connect with others in Denver, the U.S. and abroad.

Those on ConnectMe can interact with other members, post photos and videos, and contribute to online discussion forums. Another way DUS has made its contributing writers more accessible is through the many blogs that make up SpectrumTalk, an offshoot of the main site. Other online features and opportunities include a photo gallery, a multicultural art gallery, a digital advertising guide, advertising, membership and sponsorship. And, DUS has not lost sight of the great content it produces and the constant effort to improve upon it. Being online has allowed DUS to publish articles more frequently and more timely.

To celebrate this milestone, DUS will host its 22nd anniversary celebration on Sunday, April 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater, located in Northfield at Stapleton. The event will be hosted by Denver's own journalist and comedian Sam Adams. Demonstrations of the Spectrum's enhanced Web site features will be displayed and "wannabe" comedians will be displayed on the big screen.

As part of the celebration, an online video contest is underway with a call for entries to entertain Web site visitors and event attendees with funny jokes or experiences about politics, famous people, pets, food, work, friends or even family members. Top local winners will be rewarded with various prizes including theatre, comedy and movie tickets, and recognized in the print and online edition of the May issue. Out-of-state winners will also be rewarded.

Video files should be uploaded to the video link on ConnectMe, accessible by clicking on the "ConnectMe" link on www.denverurbanspectrum.com. Current ConnectMe members can sign in and upload videos, while non-members can sign up to become a new network member and then upload their videos. Deadline for entries is Thursday, April 16. The contest is open to all (who follow the rules). For complete rules and details, go to the ConnectMe main page at denverurbanspectrum.ning.com. E-mail questions to i.tanya@urbanspectrum.net.

Tickets to the celebration are $15, which includes a Barack Obama Making History commemorative souvenir book. Tickets for ConnectMe members are $10. For more information, tickets or to RSVP, call 303-292-6446 or e-mail TimeTravel@urbanspectrum.net.