Advertising, Marketing & Media Issues

Business Environment

Demographics & Regions

Media Options & Channels

Sales, Operations & Tech

Verticals & Sectors

Subscribe to Media Buyer Daily

Follow us on Twitter!

TV Industry Seeking to Monetize Digital Distribution

Published on January 02, 2006 | Email this article

The TV industry explored new waters last year, testing distribution of shows on iPods, video phones, and online - and according to Ben Grossman of Broadcasting & Cable, this year the industry plans to discover just how to make money from them.

“Programmers thrive when new distribution pipes open, but some TV executives cutting the deals say they are making it up as they go along,” Grossman writes. Meanwhile, the “dealmakers” are trying to place a value on such disparate content as cellphone clips of 24 to old episodes of Adam 12. Many deals are being made only for the short-term, because the industry is evolving so quickly that profitable moves today may not be as profitable tomorrow.

However, executives agree that a few trends will likely emerge as guides, Grossman writes. Among them: small screens equal small bucks (for now), DVD sales could fall while ratings rise, and more hits will be available as copyright issues are settled.

Get free media planning headlines every business day in your inbox. Easy to read, easy unsubscribe

Email: