What Comcast is buying (IMO), is NBC/U’s content. Old movies, old tv shows, etc. NBC as a “network” will fade away. In fact, with this purchase, you could say it is already gone. You can be sure that whatever ain’t making money will be snuffed. That’s why I still say Network News (ABCCBSNBC) is living on borrowed time. The news divisions don’t make money.
Comcast has to figure out how to make money from this content. They could try locking it up and rationing it out to viewers for a fee. But that’s problematic as file sharing can blow that out of the water. The music industry tried that and failed miserably.
I don’t have a clue as to how they’ll turn this into a money machine like it used to be when they controlled distribution. And I suspect they don’t either.
And I still maintain that the concept of TV “networks” as we have perceived them to be all our lives is kaput.
Originally it was called “chain broadcasting.”
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles09/advertising-11.shtml
Spot Versus Chain Broadcasting
Exactly what Turner did acquiring MGM.
His nets TCM, TBS, TNT had an instant film library only this takes the idea a quantum level higher what-with game shows, soaps etc.
"NBC as a 'network' will fade away. In fact, with this purchase, you could say it is already gone."
Fascinating take abb, to say the least.
I'd have thought just because the denizens occupying the executive suites changed, everything from there down would remain the same. Of course there'd be adjustment(s) en-route, but basically to the cogs there'd be no appreciable difference in day to day operations.
"You can be sure that whatever ain’t making money will be snuffed."
One of the 'adjustments' I suggested? LOL
"That’s why I still say Network News (ABCCBSNBC) is living on borrowed time. The news divisions don’t make money."
OK, how about the shouting shows, specifically NBC-U's shake-n-bake MSNBC & their entire staff?
"Comcast has to figure out how to make money from this content."
Wouldn't one have thought [that] was a forgone conclusion? What CC was bidding for, knowing they had ideas of what to do with it before bidding began? OK I may be thick, devoid of any business acumen whatsoever, but, these are corporate bigwigs with all minimally holding MBAs, too.
"They could try locking it up and rationing it out to viewers for a fee. But that’s problematic as file sharing can blow that out of the water. The music industry tried that and failed miserably."
Well then WTH would pursue something made by NBC, regardless what it is or how they had to acquire it?
Not I. LOL
"I don’t have a clue as to how they’ll turn this into a money machine like it used to be when they controlled distribution. And I suspect they don’t either."
Maybe, you're usually either correct or damned close.
That said what's to stop CC from simply returning NBC to providing enjoyable programming, selling ad time & dumping the 'attitude' that seems to have come when Immelt took the reigns? Seems to me Immelt's the problem. Get rid of Immelt & ya get rid of his influence & all those who made it possible.
In any event sure will be an interesting story to watch evolve.
"And I still maintain that the concept of TV “networks” as we have perceived them to be all our lives is kaput...Originally it was called 'chain broadcasting.'"
"Spot Versus Chain Broadcasting"
Not ashamed to admit that article kind of had my head swimming. LOL
Would've guessed the issue(s) of spot versus network settled years ago. That is one's better for one type of audience, the other for another. Apparently I guessed wrong. LOL
Then there's Clear Channel's Limbaugh Show.
I understand it's radio, but, are the two mediums that different? Point being if there's something people really want? They'll find it, make whatever adjustment(s) necessary. I feel the same holds true for television, regardless the mode of delivery. The A#1 problem is, to me, TV's all garbage; hence, the disinterest & certainly such is the case in our home.