Business
Social Engagement Series: 8 Reasons You Can’t Afford to Miss the Mobile Wave [Report]
By now you’ve probably heard the buzz surrounding mobile media and mobile marketing. If you’ve zoned it all out so far, you’ll want to tune in now.
The UK Embassy in Beijing has a QR code to access its Sina Weibo account.
Investment firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers’ (KPCB) comprehensive annual Internet Trends slide deck boasts some staggering mobile statistics for 2013.
If you enjoyed our post on the 2013 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, we’ve extracted the 8 most relevant points from KPCB’s extensive 117-slide report that you’ll need for your business.
So, why mobile? Because the key to successful marketing and customer engagement is to learn what medium consumers use most and put yourself and your business in front of them in that medium, and we’re already three years into the mobile age.
Pretty soon, not being available on mobile devices will be as crippling for your business as not having a company website at all.
The Top 8 Reasons Why You Need to Get on Mobile Marketing from KPCB’s 2013 Internet Trends Report
1) Mobile Internet traffic has been and continues to be on the climb. It’s currently 15% of all global Internet traffic, a 5% jump from last year.
2) Almost everyone and their mom has a phone. There are now over 1.5 billion smartphone subscribers, and over 5 billion mobile phone users overall, a 31% growth from last year. The top two smartphone markets are China and the U.S., in descending order.
At this point, people are hooked on their phones. The average person reaches for his phone nearly 150 times a day. Texting is the top reason to reach at 23 times a day, calls are #2 at 22 times a day, and time-checking rounds out the top three at 18 times a day.
As such, mobile operating systems have the lion’s share of the global market share.
3) Mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows Phone) have 88% of the global Internet market share, an 83% jump from six years ago. Even among the three, iOS and Android surpass Windows Phone by 25%.
That said, if you’re finally warming up to smartphones, another mobile wave is already here: tablets.
4) Tablets are already eclipsing smartphones. iPad sales have tripled from last year — 140 million units were sold so far this year versus just under 60 million iPhones.
Tablets are starting to outsell laptops and desktop PCs as well after only three years. Approximately 115 million tablets have flown off the shelves compared with about 80 million laptops and roughly 30 million desktop PCs.
Tablets are even in their own league separate from computer vendors. Apple and Samsung are the top two tablet vendors, versus HP and Dell for laptops and PCs.
5) Online education is on the rise. 32% of students are taking at least one online course as of May 2013, causing more schools to supply their students with ebooks to read on tablets and ereaders instead of physical textbooks.
Furthermore, there are far more open-source online learning platforms available for those who desire a skill without spending thousands on college, including iTunes U, Coursera, and Codecademy (free web design and app coding courses). In fact, iTunes U accounts for 25% of open-source online course enrollment, and Coursera accounts for 35%.
The KPCB report even lists Twitter, YouTube, and Google Docs as the top three Internet learning tools as of 2012.
6) As if that wasn’t enough, mobile Internet use has moved to automobiles as well. Google’s car is completely unmanned and runs on the mobile web (GPS, etc.). Remember the Social Media Marketing Industry Report’s mention of auto manufacturers integrating podcasts into their new models? That’s mobile Internet use.
KPCB reports that Internet radio service Pandora has higher mobile and vehicle use (approximately 60% and 13%, respectively) compared to listening via PC.
7) Mobile is wearable too. Thanks to health and fitness apps and websites, more people own wearable Internet-connected devices (anklets/bracelets, pedometers, etc.) which post their fitness results on the web. Google’s Glass has also joined the mobile mix as a wearable computer.
8) Mobile web transactions are far more prevalent now. In China alone, 9 million QR codes are in use as of March 2013, a quadruple jump from 2012. 42% of them are used for passcodes (coupons, rewards, tickets, etc.), 33% for ad promotions, 22% for data, and even 3% for payments.
There are even taxi reservation apps in which China citizens can competitively bid for a cab, push to talk to a cab driver, and/or track the driver’s arrival for their pickup in real time.
Additionally, more people are handling their finances online. There are already five emerging online financial services with explosive growth over the past year:
- Chase Mobile has nearly tripled growth, processing over $29 billion in gross online payments per year
- Square, the mobile payment device and service made popular by the Apple Store, has already tripled its growth from last year, processing over $15 billion in gross payments to date
- Bitcoin has quintupled its 2012 revenue with over 18 million cumulative transactions
- Lending Club has tripled its revenue from last year with over $1.8 billion in loans issued to date
- Free bill payment app Check has seen a whopping 17-fold increase from last year, processing over $500 million in bill payments per year
If you were still on the fence about going mobile, these findings are all the motivation you need to start asking around.
Share this post with your networks and bookmark it. You’ll definitely come back to it.
Photo of UK Embassy in Beijing taken from the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers 2013 Internet Trends Report, Slide #63.
Business
YouTube Reinstates Florida National News Channel After 3-Year Ban Amid Congressional Pressure
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — After being silenced for three years and five months, YouTube has officially reinstated the Florida National News (FNN) YouTube channel, marking a major victory for press freedom and independent journalism.
Ban and Removal
In early 2022, YouTube permanently removed the Florida National News YouTube channel for alleged violations of its “misinformation” policy related to COVID-19 and the 2020 presidential election.
The flagged videos came from coverage of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Orlando, where speakers included former President Donald Trump, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The removal resulted in the loss of nearly 1,900 videos, deletion of 4,717 subscribers, and the erasure of years of journalistic coverage and digital visibility built since the channel’s launch in 2014.
“Outraged is a light emotion I have towards YouTube when this media outlet was permanently removed for simply reporting on a news event,” said J. Willie David III, president of Florida National News. “Our reporters were doing their jobs. What happened was censorship disguised as content moderation.”
– By Florida National News
– By Florida National News
– By Florida National News
By Florida National News
Appeal and Reinstatement
On September 25, 2025, Florida National News filed a formal appeal demanding reinstatement, arguing that the channel had been wrongly penalized for legitimate news reporting.
Shortly afterward, YouTube announced a new policy shift, following a U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committee investigation into whether major tech platforms, including Alphabet Inc. (YouTube’s parent company), had engaged in political censorship or government-influenced suppression of speech.
According to Business Insider, Alphabet confirmed that YouTube would allow previously banned creators to reapply for reinstatement, acknowledging that earlier enforcement efforts may have “overreached.”
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FNN’s reinstatement came as part of this broader change — a turning point in the ongoing debate over social media moderation and free expression.
Harm to the Outlet and Its Reporters
The multi-year ban caused significant harm to FNN’s operations, reporters, and credibility:
Loss of nearly 1,900 videos, erasing years of coverage and community reporting.
Elimination of 4,717 subscribers, severing vital connections with viewers and followers.
Removal from monetization programs, which undermined FNN’s digital revenue and partnerships.
Damage to journalist credibility, as reporters lost access to their published work and public profiles.
David said the ban not only punished his newsroom but also deprived the public of access to unbiased, fact-based journalism.
“This wasn’t just about FNN — it was about silencing independent news voices that didn’t fit a political mold,” he said.
US Congressman Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee
Policy Shift Under Scrutiny
The reinstatement follows growing political and legal scrutiny of Big Tech’s influence over information flow.
A House Judiciary Committee inquiry revealed communications between government officials and platforms regarding removal of certain online content. In a formal letter, Alphabet admitted such coordination was “unacceptable and wrong” and pledged to restore wrongfully removed accounts.
Observers note that YouTube’s new reinstatement process reflects a larger reckoning within the tech industry — one that balances misinformation prevention with the preservation of press freedom and diverse viewpoints.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February – May 2022 | YouTube issued 3 violations in 90 days and permanently removes Florida National News channel following CPAC Orlando coverage. |
| February – Aug. 2022 | FNN files multiple appeals, all rejected under YouTube’s misinformation policies. |
| 2023–2024 | Growing national debate over tech censorship and free speech reaches Congress. |
| September 2025 | Alphabet submits letter to U.S. House Judiciary Committee admitting prior content removals “went too far.” |
| September 25, 2025 | FNN formally refiles an appeal demanding reinstatement of its YouTube account. |
| October 2025 | YouTube reinstates FNN channel — 3 years, 5 months after its removal. |
What’s Next for Florida National News on YouTube
With its channel restored, FNN is launching a renewed digital strategy focused on transparency, engagement, and growth:
Restoring the archive: Re-uploading essential videos and reintroducing popular news segments.
Expanding reach: Leveraging social media platforms to reconnect with former subscribers.
Monetization revival: Relaunching YouTube’s Partner Program to fund newsroom operations.
Compliance and diversity: Ensuring editorial integrity while adapting to evolving platform policies.
“This reinstatement marks not just a return, but a renewal,” David said. “Florida National News is back — stronger, wiser, and more determined to deliver truth-driven journalism that serves the people.”
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#FloridaNationalNews #YouTubeReinstatement #MediaFreedom #TechCensorship #FreePress #YouTubePolicyChange #DigitalNews
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News was the first media outlet to learn—during an exclusive one-on-one interview—that La’Tonya Stark has been appointed Vice President of Engagement for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA), as confirmed by CEO Cliff Long.
In her new role, Stark will oversee all areas of marketing, communications, philanthropy, community outreach, events, and business development for the major real estate trade association. She brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, having served in key roles at major Florida brands including Disney Destinations, Wyndham Worldwide, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
Stark also has an extensive military background, serving more than 12 years as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Central Missouri and later completed her master’s degree in administration with a concentration in human resources at Central Michigan University, according to ORRA’s website.
Florida National News Managing Editor Monica Hoyos secured the impromptu exclusive interview with Stark during ORRA’s annual Veterans Day Celebration held at the organization’s World Headquarters in Orlando.
Stark Expresses Excitement About New Leadership Role
During the interview, Stark shared her enthusiasm about stepping into the Vice President of Engagement role, describing it as an opportunity to expand ORRA’s community impact and member engagement. She also highlighted her passion for leadership development and elevating the real estate industry through strong communications and outreach.
A Veteran’s Story: Service, Leadership, and Style
Stark discussed her career in the U.S. Navy, where she refined her public affairs and leadership expertise. She also noted her love for professional fashion, often being recognized as a trendsetter within the industry.
Florida National News captured WWII veteran Sallie Amato’s speech at ORRA’s Annual Veterans Luncheon, where the organization also wished her a happy 102nd birthday. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News.
ORRA’s Growing Support for Military Members
Stark also spoke about ORRA’s commitment to veterans, including the launch of its annual Veterans Day Celebration and the importance of doing business with ORRA. She encouraged veterans and military-connected professionals to join ORRA’s Military Council, which plays a key role in community service and advocacy.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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