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Strike Jeopardises Official Online Content

January 10th 2007 01:43
As apparent from my online content and mobile tv posts, there are very mixed views on whether extensions and rebroadcasts of tv shows on other mediums are worthwhile. However, another factor has come into the mix that could have a marked impact on the issue - the actors themselves. Performers in Canada have called a strike, complaining that they receive little or no compensation for the work done for internet and cell/mobile phone broadcasts.


These problems have been simmering for some time - much of the online content for shows such as Jericho cannot be accessed outside of the USA because of restrictions of copyright and the stance of the Screen Actor's Guild. The underlying frustration is now coming to a head.
This could be a major problem for networks wanting to invest resources into alternative media. Part of the appeal of extended content was undoubtedly its cheapness. If costs skyrocket, will there be any incentive for it to be produced? Networks tend to consider fostering goodwill with their viewer base as secondary to the almighty dollar.

Furthermore, will users stay loyal to official content? People expect some teething issues with the introduction of new ideas and products. However, if there is too much crying they'll just dump that baby. As Time Magazine says, user-generated content is making a huge impact on our world - people are more than wiling to get their fix from that if the official content isn't up to scratch.

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Comment by DuskDevi

January 10th 2007 08:49
Networks tend to consider fostering goodwill with their viewer base as secondary to the almighty dollar

Ain't that the truth.

I won't pretend I understand what's going on but it doesn't sound good.

Hope you're well Ninabelle.

Dusk

Comment by Nina

January 10th 2007 09:14
DuskDevi: Television networks are one of the few business that have yet to realise that the customer is paramount. They're stuck in a selling orientation when they should be following a marketing (customer-focused) one.

Off-topic, I am very excited to see the quote feature used on my site for the first time! As they say, simple things...

Nina

Comment by Sisi

January 10th 2007 11:02
Nina your comment above is so true...networks are trying to convince viewers to watch things instead of giving them the things they want to watch!

Comment by Nina

January 10th 2007 13:26
Sisi: Definitely - television is really concerned about losing out to other media, but they would retain a lot of viewers simply by actually catering to their wants.

Comment by Francis

January 10th 2007 21:41
Television is deeply concerned with bending over backwards to please their customers- the advertisers. We, the audience to watch their ads, are merely the product being sold/rented to their true customers.

Here in America I think the SAG has agreed to different pay scales for broadcast network and cable stations; mayhaps the answer may lie in negotiating a pay scale for the online content?

Comment by Nina

January 11th 2007 00:25
Francis: What you've said is very true - televisions sees the true customer as being the advertisers . What should be happening is television considering both advertisers and viewers as their customers - just two different segments of the market that they should be serving.

I believe it will come down to the introduction of a proper pay scale for extended content - but it certainly gets a sticky issue when you consider the worldwide nature of the internet.

Comment by KylieW

January 11th 2007 03:36
I agree with your last comment Nina. A proper pay scale is what is needed. But they keep up with these problems and people will just go with the user generated content which is so good these days

Comment by Nina

January 11th 2007 03:42
KylieW: Some user generated content really is awesome, so networks will have to get their act together in order to compete.

Comment by JohnDoe

January 12th 2007 01:20
Great post Nina, it is no wonder the actors are pissed at not receiving commision for the use of their online image.

What really has me excited is the idea that in Australia we will be able see TV episodes the day after they air in the US.

Instead of waiting a year or more for the latest Battlestar, Heroes and Deadwood to screen here it will be simply a matter of clicking online.

I am also a fan of the online content for certain shows and love when there are prequel episodes (Like with Bttlestar) that fill the gap while waiting between seasons...

Comment by Nina

January 12th 2007 01:42
JohnDoe: I hope that we are able to download shows as they air in the US from the network sites. At the moment it looks as if that sort of content may be restricted to the US only. Hopefully some sort of resolution will be reached where these episodes and extra features will be made available to everyone.

Comment by JohnDoe

January 12th 2007 01:50
I read somewhere recently that they are looking to get this service in Australia soon.....how long soon means in anyones guess.

Its retarded it has taken this long, escpecially when they winge about piracy....maybe if they played Arrested Development, Battlestar and Huff at a decent hour and were up to date it wouldnt happen....I mean what are we meant to do watch reality TV crap, McClouds daughters and stupid top 10 shows that have no idea about there topics.

Giving online access to episodes when they air would greatly reduce the amount of people who illegally download TV each week.....

Comment by Nina

January 12th 2007 02:19
That's so true - apparently Australia has one of the highest rates of television show downloading in the world, which is no wonder considering how long we have to wait to get shows. And as you said, even when the shows do come here, they are often shafted to a ridiculous timeslot. As the rate of people with broadband internet increases, the issue is only going to get worse.

Comment by JohnDoe

January 18th 2007 04:24
Hi Nina,

I just did a blog on movie and Tv piracy that may amuse or frighten depending on your demeanor.

If your interested you can read it by clicking HERE

Comment by Nina

January 18th 2007 04:51
JohnDoe: I saw that on the homepage; I was just heading over when your comment came through. I'm on my way over now to have a read of it. Thanks!

Comment by JohnDoe

January 18th 2007 04:54
Cool banannas, I always appreciate your feedback

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