Whether the RIAA, MPAA and other gatekeeper organizations are ready for the changes in how media is delivered or not, media delivery is changing. In a fantastic example of embracing the new way to experience media, Al Gore has started a new television channel called Current TV. In this channel he combines a full television and web experience by showing short videos both on the cable channel and online.
He is quoted as saying his channel offers television programming you can “snack on”. Each video is around 3 – 8 minutes long. Some of the videos are professionally done, though many are amateur video reminiscent of web sites like YouTube. The target audience for this channel is in the 18 – 34 year old age group. Gore’s new channel is not the only one to merge television and Internet these days. More importantly, videos are not the only way to experience a merging of web and television.
Just look at most television shows now, especially reality shows like American Idol, and you’ll often see scrolling text messages and chat at the bottom of the screen. There will periodically by a flash of a web site address where you can enter contests online related to the show, or find out more about the episode and characters at the moment you’re watching. Shows like Lost and Heroes have broadened their audience base and increased loyalty by offering expanded content online. They both have continued the story line on the web site, offering background and other information on the plot and characters.
How will the Internet, downloads, wireless networking and interactive audience experience change how you watch television? TiVo and DVR technology has already expanded the possibilities of your viewing choices – in my opinion the internet can only make it even better.
Find video online by searching at beeline.tv and wwitv.com, for starters, or go to the end of this article for a quick list of up and comers.
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