Obviously, if the networks come back with compelling content, they'll win back the audience. But their momentum has been greatly diminished. Perhaps this is a time they can re-define themselves and come back with some winning programming. I'm not holding my breath. Dan Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx> Sent by: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 07/03/2008 05:05 AM Please respond to opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx To opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx cc Subject [opendtv] Re: Scripps Spins Off TV Sector At 10:06 AM -0700 7/2/08, John Willkie wrote: >It is probably also important to point out that it "seems" that tv's >problems are directly related to the writer's strike. Let's hope >the pattern isn't repeated with the SAG situation. > >Prime time revenues and audiences were down about 20% this year. >Other than that, tv has appeared to be holding its own. > >John Willkie > Really There have been a few years since the '80s where Broadcast Network ratings were flat, or even up slightly, but the trend line is painfully clear: http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/16/where-did-the-primetime-broadcast-audience-go/3362 Network ratings were down nearly 20% at the start of the last TV season, BEFORE the writers strike. We will see what happens this year. Ad revenues should be strong thanks to the Olympics and the election. But I do not expect the network audience to return to pre strike levels. The strike forced viewers to explore new options - many will not be back. Regards Craig ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.