Larry King Live uses "Social Suite" for telethon "Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help"

On Monday, June 21st, Larry King held a telethon Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help for a two-hour special. Aside from taking phone donations and celebrities giving information on how important the cause was, Ryan Seacrest was in charge of the internet.

The telethon incorporated the use of Twitter and Facebook to reach out to a younger demographic. Celebrities checked in at a "Social Suite" where they sat in front of the computers to communicate with people over the internet. From the hashtag #CNNGulfHelp to celebrities tweeting throughout the show as well as being able to donate by texting ("coast" or "united" to 50555, or "NWF" to 20222 for $10), it was very apparent that social media is now a norm on not only to raise awareness of current events, but to communicate.

The telethon went on to raise $1.8 million.

We saw a similar strategy when Larry King aired Haiti: How You Can Help in January, which was also a two-hour special. Ryan Seacrest was behind the computers there as well.

Photo courtesy of Larry King Live and Rock You.