[opendtv] Re: The "Mice" Roared
- From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 09:14:31 -0500
At 1:34 PM -0800 11/23/06, John Willkie wrote:
There seems to be the prevailing view among commenters on this list
that the broadcast networks tell the local stations and cable
networks affiliated with them without any recourse.
There have always been, and will continue to be examples of the abuse
of oligopoly power. But this is a tiny nit in the overall scheme of
things. Yes, on rare occasions affiliates or consumers are able to
pull the plug on the plans of the big five content companies. But you
do not see affiliates blocking network content on a routine basis.
Perhaps John should look at this another way.
What power do affiliates hold to fundamentally change the economics
of their business? Can they tell the network they are affiliated with
where to stick it, and easily go out and find alternative content
that will produce similar results - i.e. ratings and corresponding
high rates per thousand for ads that accompany these ratings?
The answer is clearly NO.
And for what it is worth, the occasional outburst from affiliates
looks good for the FCC. It gives the appearance that the affiliates
still have some real power...
Regards
Craig
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