If you've ever listened to John Byrne's podcasts or checked out a video on BusinessWeek.com, you'll know that he's bullish about the potential of social media for print publications.

With over 2000 videos on the site covering topics from investing to twice-daily market reports, the executive editor of BusinessWeek has immersed himself in the collaboration of journalism and the web, keeping readers engaged and informed about breaking news in real time.

Last year, three distinctive features were launched on Businessweek.com to bring readers into a larger conversation. In Your Face publishes the most substantive comments left by readers with photos of the contributors, Dialogue with Readers highlights conversations between readers and editors, and What's Your Story Idea allows readers to pitch the subjects they think should be covered. And it's no surprise that the Jack and Suzy Welch podcast has been a hit.

In a NY 360 interview, Byrne says that he considers the web a more a utility than a medium:

Q: Tell me what the challenges have been for you bringing print to the online world and merging those two worlds.

A: I am utterly transformed by the experience. I love the medium, in fact I don't even consider it a medium. I consider it much like a utility like electricity because it's print, it's radio, it's TV and it's more than that because of the interactive elements and the social media that you can provide online.

At the upcoming Mediabistro Circus, Byrne will discuss social media and how he got his reporters to use Twitter. BusinessWeek is one of the strongest brands on the micro-blogging site.

After the jump, check out the full NY 360 interview video with Byrne:

--Lisa Fraser