This is going to be the year when video comes of age across multiple platforms, says Keith Pelley, President of Rogers Media.

Pelley recently joined Rogers to lead our media organization through what is arguably one of the most pivotal times in the industry’s history.  From digitization of content,  to accessing it on new devices, 2011 will no doubt be exciting.

I sat down with Pelley to get his take on what’s next for the industry as well as what consumers of Rogers content can expect this year. Here are the highlights from our conversation:

What’s your forecast for the Canadian media industry in 2011?

This is the year when video comes of age online and on-demand, across multiple platforms. TV anywhere – or entertainment anywhere – this is the year when it hits critical mass.

We had a pretty good understanding during the Olympics that people want to be exposed to content in so many different ways.  As well, we’re starting to learn that multi-tasking is becoming commonplace. Life’s not linear now. You jump in, you jump out – you stop watching, you pick it up, you move.

The way people consume media continues to evolve and the tablet is the newest innovation that will steer people to view content completely different.

Any specific examples for what consumers of Rogers content can expect from us this year?

They’re going to see great content on the platform of their choice – and integration of content is going to be critical.

So, you’re going to be able to read an article from Maclean’s in a hard copy or you’re going to be able to read it in an iPad app. You’re going to be able to experience the prime-time programming on Citytv, like Modern Family, on conventional TV or video on demand – or, on your iPad. It really comes down to content with unlimited choices to experience it.

We’re no longer just television broadcasters or radio broadcasters – we’re content distributors. And, our goal will be to continue to provide unprecedented choice for consumers to experience the content that we produce and acquire – and this content  is certainly something we want to have ‘best in class.’

And we’re in an excellent position to experiment with multiple platforms, given that Rogers is an integrated media and distribution company. So, we can play online, on-demand and on-mobile.

Looking back at your career, how would you describe the current state of the media industry?

It was pretty exciting when the Internet came out – and then when it started to take off. It was exciting when HD became reality and it changed the way we viewed content.

I think the tablet is right up there with those two –  it is a game changer. This is a very, very exciting time. Long gone are the days when we huddled around the radio or television on a Saturday night.

Richard Bloom is a regular contributor to RedBoard.