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Online Video

First Online-Video Star Receives Medal of Honor by NYC National Arts Club

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thehill88 and naltsCaitlin Hill, known online as TheHill88, received NYC’s National Arts Club’s prestigious “Medal of Honor” this week (see press release which I just finished toiling over because I’m consulting with Hitviews.

The 20-year-old Australian video creator joins former medal recipients Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Leonard Bernstein, Salvador Dali, and Martin Scorcese. Three US Presidents have been members of the National Arts Club.

Caitlin was honored by top broadcast talent, pioneers of radio and television… and me.

 I’m seen in this photo, just minutes before I ate Caitlin’s dessert while she was giving her thank-you speech. After acknowledging guests, she remarked, “Nalts- I forgot you’re funny.” I’ll give you about 700 ways to forget, Caitlin.

Seriously, though. This room was packed with the who’s who of media, many whom have made private investments in Hitviews.

  • Reese Schonfeld, the former CEO of CNN.
  • Cousin Brucie Morrow, who introduced the Beatles in Shea Stadium in 1965.
  • Hitviews Founder Walter Sabo, who was one of the youngest VPs of ABC and NBC.
  • Allan Shaw, Centennial Broadcasting founder.
  • National Arts Club President O. Aldon James
  • Gary Slaight, a former owner of 30 radio stations in Canada, and Bob Weinstein, co-founder of Miramax, are also investors but did not attend the December 8 dinner.

Check out some of the brief talks honoring Caitlin (below). Again- I’ve been consulting with Hitviews because I kinda dig this model about rallying top online-video stars to reate branded entertainment. I think with this group of media investors — their experience and funding — Hitviews may change the game for creators and advertisers.

If you choose to watch the videos of the December 8 dinner, check out Allan Shaw especially (mustache guy). He’s got some inside knowledge as a YouTube viewer. And if you watch mine, I really, really am not interested on a count of how many “uh” and “ums” I had. It was past my bedtime. Check out Caitlin’s video at 3:00 where she gives her “Nalts” dig. Charming. Lovely. Read Caitlin’s accounts of the day here.