May 13, 2007
TV anytime, anywhere? Sooner than you think
The launch of Joost could show why it's time the TV industry stopped fearing the spectre of free shows via the internet, writes James Robinson for The Guardian.
"The nightmares endured by TV executives are becoming a reality, but this time big broadcasters are confronting their fears head-on. America's CBS and MTV have both invested in Joost which claims it will 'completely revolutionise television' by offering 'TV anywhere, anytime'.... They may all be dipping their corporate toes in the online waters, but TV executives have nightmares about the havoc the internet could play with their businesses.
Imagine a world where anyone could watch any show free of charge at a time of their choosing. That could bankrupt the industry overnight, and it is a scenario that is drawing ever closer.
... Although TV over the internet can be disjointed and jumpy, it is hugely popular, particularly among the under-24s."
Yes it it. And I'm not so sure Joost, funded by advertising - entailing "sporadic ad breaks of varying length in the middle of the show which can't be fast-forwarded" will be tolerated by Internet users who are already able to see their favorite shows in streaming, without commercials.
Commercials may have funded television in America but they have also ruined it. It's become unbearable to watch a show that is constantly interrupted - - usually by the same message. In my opinion some other business model is going to have to be invented for TV on the Internet.
According to Ofcom, a growing number of under-24s them are switching their TVs off - around 3 per cent more each year. Hear hear.
Related: - Who's Killing TV?
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/tv/archives/2007/05/015901.htm