johngonole

TV Business Models: A Problem Even Jack Bauer Can't Solve

I also disagree with the volumes. Overall I think Americans are watching more TV than ever. I mean way more. People used to converse with their neighbors. Now after dinner everyone turns on the tube. I live in Florida. During the hurricanes the power was out fro three days. Flushed out of our hot homes everyone on the block finally got to know each other. Once power was restored everyone went back into their air conditioned homes and watched TV. People dont' join groups like rotary club etc...like they used to. Their is less social clubs and voluterism, etc...

So people are watching way more. What has changed is that we now have 60 - 100 channels competing for the eyes. Supply growth has exceeded demand growth. This means TV shows with must lower production cost while attracting viewers. Hence why we see cheap shows that dish out deadly sins such as gambling, gossip (reality tv), etc... More intelligent shows are now on the second tier networks such as scifi, USA, etc... The point is that it is a more competitive landscape. Overall TV quality is way up though I think the writing of shows these days is pretty weak. If someone wants to release their content for zippo on the internet they will find it even harder to make a show profitable. Fox and other that have series are smart to offer replays but note they are delayed. This helps keep people who missed shows in the loop. But lets face it most people aren't going to watch their TV all on their labtop. I also think we might see less commercials cause of TIVO. Say four commercials per shown instead of a bunch more. People will listen to one commerical but not five.

Cable also offers the user an abiltiy to more easily discover what they like.

And on the next generation. They are all going to have attention span problems. It can be seen everywhere. So those who can actually focus on a problem for a long time will become valuable assets to their employers. Its hard to get these kids these days to stay on tasks. They almost scream out to be micromanaged! Of course their are the exceptions. The exceptions are just becoming more rare