While Eliot Spitzer’s predilection for hookers (sorry, high priced call-girls) has made headlines worldwide, video over Skype may end up as a beneficiary.
Marked as a first for national TV, CNN used Skype Video to conduct a live interview Monday. According to Reuters, CNN interviewed Jeffrey Toobin, who went to Harvard Law School with Spitzer, via Skype from Maui.
The report says that Toobin used a laptop computer and webcam borrowed from the business centre of the hotel where he and his family were staying. The interview was featured in CNN’s prime-time political programming, and Toobin took part in a discussion on Anderson Cooper 360, all via Skype Video.
Skype has long been used for IM and voice calls, but its still relatively new video feature hasn’t taken off in a similar way. With CNN being able to use Skype Video to conduct interviews and live appearances, Skype may now get a boost as a strong video alternative to existing video conferencing tools and companies.
On a related note, the hooker behind the Spitzer scandal sells music on Amie Street. 89c buys the rather ironically named Unspoken Words album with the feature single What We Want.
Update: Amie Street has added a new song “Move ya body” to the playlist. If you want to hear a famous hooker sing get in quick, the album was 29c 12 hours ago, it’s now up to $1.16. Your slice of New York history 
First I thought you meant using Skype as a more secure channel for acquiring the services of a prostitute— I was totally in. But the interview’s cool too.
By the way, I hope Spitz makes time before Monday to pardon every John and every prostitute he so eagerly prosecuted as Attorney General. What a turd.
I acctually caught this when they aired it and I couldnt tell it was over skype or even streaming video until they pointed it out at the bottom of the screen.
Duncan: “here” should = “hear”
Interestingly no mention of the online Oprah show that just started using Skype. She’s become a total convert.
Don’t forget her myspace page http://profile....iendID=69041220
I really like how this “conversation” combines relevant comments on the technical and business issues involving video skype with discussions of the About to Be Ex-Governor’s Woes. TC works well for this one.
Ahh Mr. Spitzer. What have you done?
A group card has been created for Eliot. Stop by and leave a personal message!
http://www.squi...m/c/_XccnB_8uzO
I don’t use video often, but when I do I use Skype – it’s the only app that I’ve found that 1) lots of people have, and 2) allows video calls between a Mac & a PC.
MSN may do this too, I’m not sure, but since I generally use Adium on the Mac and Trillian on the PC that’s a no-go.
Wow, I sense a bit of hostility toward the girl in your write-up Duncan. What gives? You writing from the Bible Belt or something?
I think this is the first story I’ve read on techcrunch in which the word “hooker” appears at least 3 times.
I use Skype Video whenever I want to talk to someone that doesn’t have iChat. They make different tradeoffs with the codec (heavily favoring static vs dynamic scenes) but its still a good experience.
I think the politically correct term for hooker is entertainment worker…..
I had to wonder if I was on Valleywag or Cnet when reading this story between the disjointed, irrelevant, though scintillating, content and the salacious headline. Nice job.
It’s good exposure for Skype Video.