Will broadcast and cable television last another 50 years?

Question

With an increase in download, PVR, and on-demand services, will broadcast and cable television continue to have non-interactive, daily programming? If not, how will new programs be funded and distributed to viewers?

Answer 1

Like audio media, visual media must either adapt to the new technologies or be passed by. Some network programming has already been made available through online and call-phone services. This is an excellent example of the television networks working to embrace the new technologies. But these programs are still on open broadcast. Remember, your old TVs become obsolete soon, when broadcast signal will become Hi-Def by mandate.

Consider, however, the role of niche programming with respect to this new version of programming. If a type of programming which is not embraced by network television becomes available online, and builds a viewer base, it would give an outlet to proramming which would never be seen today. It would also be possible for people to select shows from other countries which might not be available.

As far as funding, the theroy holds that interactive shopping may one day replace commercials. This theory places the burden on product placement, where viewers click on items (clothing, shoes, electronics, ets.) seen on a program, and can then be routed to a site where they can purchase the items.

Answer 2

I think that cable and non-interactive programming will exist in 50 years largely because you have hit the issue: funding. Non-interactive programming is critical for traditional advertisements to provide funding to the channels and programs they produce. Even if other funding methods are available, they are very reluctant to change. Whether or not they'll still be a significant market share is questionable. On-demand services largely provide a rehashing of cable programs (and of course movies) that have already received funding.

However, if I turn out to be wrong, there are several ways to fund the new regime of user controlled programming. First and foremost, a method that is under appreciated but has been used for years--product placement. It is simple and effective--look to ET and Reese's. Reese's Pieces wouldn't even be on the map if it weren't for their product placing in ET. Similarly, advertisements in the course of the programming: a billboard in the background of a God shot could work very well. International soccer has been using this for decades, lacking time to advertise between non-existent breaks (save for half-time). It's become very successful in Europe and the MLS has most advertising agencies almost convinced that this is a good idea.

Another method to fund is using the cable companies. They record the number of times a show has been viewed with on-demand and then use those numbers to pay the producers of the program directly--it would be the end of channels. Also, encrypting and charging for downloads, even with security problems, could be lucrative and cable companies could convert their business model to instead act as a distributive force for programming, rather than carpet-bombing the television with channel after channel of content and worse--filler content. This would also theoretically raise the bar for television programming as they now have to compete on equal footing with programs across the nation. If asking is funnier than Everybody Meets Raymond (and it is), then the only advantage Raymond would have is increased advertising and a larger budget. If on-demand also offered instant review options, then even this barrier could be overcome.

Which also means that the owners of channels (Fox, CBS, NBC, etc) would have to directly invest in shows and provide funding rather than doing the show the charity of some token funds and a poorly chosen television spot. It would turn Rupert Murdoch into a producer, rather than just an owner. I don't know if this is good or bad.

That's my two cents.

Answer 3

The cable company already owns On Demand and PPV as well as current TV which broadcasts viewers pods sent in from any where around the world.They are already way ahead of us.They have to survive,so they will fight back against.Just like the gas companies slowing the progress of solar and wind power sources,Cable companies and network broadcasters will make sure they dont lose out by going after their customers like the record companies did when we had all the file sharing controversy.

Answer 4

Eventually everything is going to run together via the internet. It has already started to evolve. Your telephone, television,and internet are already combining. It will be a pick and choose your services type deal. Your TV will be the central point in every home. I forsee the eventual downfall of broadcast TV as we know it. Funding for programming can still be brought about through advertising just as it is now.

Answer 5

Broadcast will last as many Americans still do not have access to all the latest digital technologies, and for some stuff like evening news, the government will just mandate it.

As far as cable, they will adapt to new technologies, as they're already renting out DVRs and providing video-on-demand.

Answer 6

Everything will run through the internet one day. Telephone already does (VoIP) and you can get streaming shows already, some streams cut out to play an ad, so that covers your funding issue.

Answer 7

In the future optical wires will carry everyones digital and media needs.

Answer 8

yup. got too many adverisers to not let that happen

Answer 9

God I hope not!!!