(Video) New York Times Debuts Google+ 'Hangouts On Air' As Video Platform

The New York Times used Google+ 'Hangouts On Air,' streaming live video on its home page, YouTube channel and Google+ page for the first time. In this video interview with Beet TV, Alexis Mainland, New York Times Social Media Editor describes the on air feature as a "light weight production tool with inherent social elements."

Op-Ed columnist Nicholas Kristof moderated the discussion on human rights, foreign affairs and international issues between U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan E. Rice and a host of participants from the paper's Google+ page, last Thursday at 2:30pm Eastern Time.

Google first launched 'Hangouts On Air,' in 2011 to selected broadcasters, but earlier in May this year, it became available to Google+ users world wide. In addition to live streaming, the host can instantly view the number of people watching live. At the end of a 'Hangout On Air,' Google automatically posts a recording of the broadcast to the host's Youtube channel and Google+ post.

The Times' 'Hangout On Air' is the first in a series of live broadcasts from its Opinion department.