Fast Lane Daily released their 700th episode this week marking yet another milestone for the widely successful daily automotive news show hosted by Derek D.  Since the show began on January 30th, 2007, the series has lived by two basic principles:  Consistency and Credibility.  For Fast Lane Daily, these two simple concepts are a single axiom that defines the necessary ingredients for a successful car show with a loyal fan base and the respect of the automotive industry.  Host, Derek D, adds to these values with his supply of fun and entertainment that makes the show stand out from its more 'traditional' counterparts.  

The production team and talent behind Fast Lane Daily - JF Musial, Ian Jenkins, and Derek D - apply these values to every element of the show and towards their efforts to build their audience.   

1.  A Reliable Source with a Consistent Presence

As any news provider, Fast Lane Daily aims to be the #1 source of current and reliable information that is relevant to its audience.  The series releases episodes Monday through Friday that are timely, accurate, and delivered in a consistent way that is reliable.  They position the show to be a fixture in the daily routine of its viewers.  The crew attends all the major automotive shows around the country including the NY International Auto Show, The LA Auto Show, NY Motor Expo, The Detroit Auto Show and more.  Fast Lane Daily can't rely on viral hits or ephemeral pop-culture spoofs to garner their views.  Their viewers want something different, as they would from any other news source.  They want the latest and most reliable news and coverage coming from the industry's most important events. 

2.  Talent

Derek D, the face and personality of Fast Lane Daily, delivers each morning's car news with a comedic and causal sensibility.  He's definitely not the traditional suit-and-tie car news reporter you might see elsewhere.  Derek's antics provide the entertainment value of the show, so the details of the latest concept vehicle can also become punch-lines.  As a host, Derek hits all the right notes for how a web series personality can help drive views.  He's high-energy, genuine, and engages with the viewers by responding to comments in a segment called "The Commenter of the Week" every Friday.   Derek also knows how a good jab at a commentor's ego, or playful insult can really get the comments booming.

3.  MetaData with the 'Car Fanatic' in Mind

Fast Lane Daily knows the search habits of its viewers.  The metadata surrounding their videos is specific and precise since car enthusiasts search by model number, not just by make.  Being car-obsessed themselves, they also know that a beautiful shot of a new car model can be on par with that of a pin-up girl.  Keeping this in mind, the posterframes for every episode are crisp, colorful, and clear, featuring the real stars of each episode: the cars. 

4.  Credibility with Fans, Peers and AutoMakers

The car enthusiasts that comprise the FLD audience are unique.  Unlike many online video audiences, these fans prefer accuracy, not hyperbole, and relevancy instead of mass appeal.  Fast Lane Daily is a widely successful web series, but first and foremost, it considers itself a news source for a community with high standards.  The show has built up trust with its fans by valuing accuracy, disciplined fact-checking, and clear delivery of automotive news.  Specifically, in the last few months when the automotive industry has been struggling, Fast Lane Daily continued to deliver its updates with a great deal of respect and support for the industry while many outlets found it easier to take shots at it.

The auto industry notices, too.   Fast Lane Daily is a trusted outlet for many of the large automakers. Executive producer JF is no stranger to receive leaks and tips from automakers themselves about concept cars and future models.  Every episode contains the 'Rumor Mill' segment to highlight this.  For fans, this exclusive content is appreciated and incites a wealth of opinions. And, for the Automakers, this engagement and feedback from the show's loyal community offers a snapshot focus group.  Fast Lane Daily offers insider content for its fans, and an honest source of feedback for carmakers with the comments on each episode.  

Fast Lane Daily is a perfect example of how important it is for web series producers to know and be an integral part of the community that comprises their viewership.  They listen to their audience to help dictate their strategies.  They identify the basic concepts and principles that are important to their audience, their niche, and to the success of their content.  But, most importantly, the producers behind Fast Lane Daily are passionate about what they create and share the same values as the people who tune in every single day.