A la Carte Cable Causes A Stir

A la carte cable channels is a topic that has been discussed a few times over the past two years. The concept is simple, you pay for what you want. Instead of having a $75+ cable bill each month for channels that you don't use, you will pay a monthly subscription fee for those that you do watch.

You can see why this is troubling to the cable networks. Cable ratings are already low to begin with and in many markets the cable penetration is only 65-75% with satellite tv taking some market share. So if we begin to remove subscribers from specific cable networks then the ratings will dip lower and begin to erode advertising dollars instantly.

I have to say from a consumer standpoint this is a brilliant idea. I would probably buy abou 15-20 channels including ESPN, FOOD Network, FSN, TBS, MTV, etc. etc. You now know my viewing habits. However from someone who works in the media industry I see why this is only hurting, not helping the networks.

While I completely agree with the FCC trying to help consumers, it is my opinion they should be trying to help their own industry. So why create a program that is going to erode ratings and remove dollars from your own wishing well. It doesn't make sense for me and I would actually be against it.

My consumer hat says bring on the choices!

Here is the article at TV Week.

"UpFront" Now Becomes Spotlight Event for NBC

Just a few weeks ago NBC was discussing cancelling UpFront. Now it seems the event will be larger than ever before. You can't blame their negative thinking in early January; the writers strike was going strong and Prime Time was on it's way to becoming Reality Time.

Now it seems though NBC is optimistic about their outlook. They made it through the strike with minimal damage. Programs such as Deal or No Deal, American Gladiators, and Biggest Loser helped to stay steady while other networks saw significant decreases in their ratings. NBC should feel like they are ahead when September rolls around. Programs that never had the chance to get off the ground such as Life, Bionic Woman, and Journeyman are still waiting to produce more episodes. Viewers began to fall in love with Chuck and we never got tired of The Office or My Name is Earl. So with new episodes waiting to be produced of those programs, plus the combined success of American Gladiators, and now another reality hit in the waiting, My Dad is Better Than Your Dad, the Peacock network should have quite the story to tell at UpFront.

So buy your plane ticket and do your best to sneak into the party in May because this years UpFront is going to be something to remember. I predict that 2008-2009 is the season that NBC turns it around and gets back to the top.

Click here to read the article at AdAge.com.

Networks Seeking Ways To Integrate Advertising

We've been hearing for years that the :30 commercial is dead, or at least slowly dying. And while many people have troubles picking a side on this debate, the argument is one that is gaining momentum. So the answer, slowly eliminate the :30, integrate some :05's, and increase the total number of sponsorships seen during the 30 Minutes worth of programming.

Click here to read the article posted by the LA Times.

Sex and Violence Increases In Prime Time Study Finds

Click here to read the article about the incresae of sex and violence in Prime Time. TGIF is gone and these days its all about what show can entertain you the best with guns and girls. Remember the good ol' days of Family Matters, Full House, Step by Step, and Family Ties? They are long gone!

TBS Scores It's Third Hit With Bill Engvall Show

Cable networks are not typically known for their original programming, however TBS is trying to re-write that thought. Turner Broadcasting now has three original programs airing weekly, they include My Boys, House of Payne, and the Bill Engvall Show. My Boys debuted last year and the network ordered a full season for 2007-2008. House of Payne is written and directed by Tyler Perry and the Bill Engvall Show will be able to ride the coat tails of not only a successful comedian, but the blue collar comedy that he has been associated with for years.

Click here to read the article at Media Week.