[opendtv] Re: Two articles about sticking it to the TV consumer
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:05:28 -0500
Tom Barry wrote:
> NO! The OTA broadcasters are NOT the networks. Networks
> may have some O&O's but mainly they or their parent
> companies are content producers and brokers. The networks
> can and are peddling their content increasingly on cable.
I think we are talking past one another.
As far as the OTA users are concerned, the broadcaster only matters BECAUSE he
is affiliated with a particular network. I understand that in many cases the
broadcaster is a separate company. But to the viewer, that broadcaster's value
is only as a source of Network X content. (And now, also the multicasts.)
And yet, that OTA spigot is not allowed to benefit from what really makes it
valuable, when negotiating with MVPDs or advertizers. He's negotiating as a
small fry.
> I think there are lots of reasons. Much of it is the
> simple fact OTA broadcasters used to have a monopoly on
> delivering video to the home and now they don't anymore.
Exactly, Tom. Archaic rules working against OTA distribution, and now the FCC
Chairman himself reiterating the supposed importance of these archaic and
destructive rules (e.g. this local content politically correct mantra.) Where
is Michael Powell when we need him?
And also, the networks themselves may be more interested in owning O&Os, *if*
they had control over a nationwide network. They have been quoted saying this
much, on occasion. Maybe that's no longer the case? Don't know.
By the way, in principle I would not be opposed to OTA going away and being
replaced by Internet distribution. My problem is that Internet distribution
*even now* is subject to way more petty controls and silly-ass restrictions
than any other TV distribution medium. In other words, the content owner has
even more control over every aspect of whether and how that content is
consumed, than he does over MVPDs or OTA.
Might be great for the content owners, but it leaves me skeptical. I think
people should think twice before embracing schemes that give the distribution
system more control at our expense.
Bert
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