Cool Hunter — April 11, 2006 — Pop Culture
References: news.yahoo
NEW YORK/ATLANTA (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co.'s ABC television network will offer some of its most popular shows, such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," for free on the Web in a service supported by advertising, the company said on Monday.
U.S. media companies have been experimenting with ways to deliver programs through new technologies while maintaining revenue as viewership for prime-time television schedules slowly erodes.
But ABC's venture, which starts as a two-month trial in May, goes a step further, potentially bypassing cable operators by bringing top shows straight to the consumer, analysts said.
U.S. media companies have been experimenting with ways to deliver programs through new technologies while maintaining revenue as viewership for prime-time television schedules slowly erodes.
But ABC's venture, which starts as a two-month trial in May, goes a step further, potentially bypassing cable operators by bringing top shows straight to the consumer, analysts said.
Trend Themes
1. Streaming Television - The trend of offering popular TV shows for free on the web, supported by advertising, allows networks to reach consumers directly and bypass traditional cable operators.
2. Digital Advertising - As networks offer free TV shows online, supported by advertising, the opportunity for disruptive innovation lies in the digital advertising industry to create more targeted and personalized ads for viewers.
3. Shift to Online Content - The increasing availability of popular shows for free on the web signals a trend towards a shift in consumer behavior, with potential disruptive innovation opportunities in online content platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Television Broadcasting - The disruption of offering popular shows for free on the web threatens traditional television broadcasters and cable operators, forcing them to adapt their business models.
2. Advertising - The trend of offering free TV shows online creates opportunities for the advertising industry to explore new revenue models and targeted advertising strategies.
3. Streaming Services - The availability of popular shows for free on the web challenges the streaming service industry to differentiate and provide unique user experiences to stay competitive.
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