[opendtv] Re: What a coincidence: Can TV Broadcasters Really Go OTT?
- From: Craig Birkmaier <craig@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 11:28:37 -0400
On Jul 12, 2013, at 7:41 PM, "Manfredi, Albert E"
<albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I've been wondering that all along. And yet, here we have ABC just recently
> adding a bunch of markets where their live OTA programming is now available
> online, *with MVPD subscription*. Totally weird, right? Who cares about live?
Sports fans!
And to a lesser extent those who watch live "reality TV."
Clearly, ABC wants people to watch their content on second screen devices, IF
they are paying that monthly subscriber fee. In some cases this will be live
sports viewed on a smartphone. But in most cases, it may be little more than
watching an ABC program on a tablet in the bedroom via broadband/WiFi.
Not so weird after all...
> To me, assuming this "live" feature has any real benefits, if the network
> can see quantified estimate of viewership from the live online stream, THAT
> might be enough to allow this to go on.
They clearly want every "view" to be counted. If a statistically significant
segment of their audience moves to second screen devices they need to count
them. What is more important is counting the time shifting audience, including
people like yourself, who watch programs on their TVs, on demand, via OTT
sites.
Whether live or delayed, what the network wants is that monthly subscriber fee.
> As to VOD content, the networks have already shown willingness to make those
> available FOTI, so that part isn't involving broadcasters at all! Unless
> broadcasters can make some attractive business case to the networks.
This is "the stuff" of negotiations between networks and affiliates. What we
are seeing with ABC streaming their owned stations in large markets is a "pilot
study." If it works, then we might see all access to ABC programs through
affiliate web portals, rather than the network Internet portal. And this does
not preclude the network from making the same shows available on a delayed
basis via Hulu, Netflix et al. It may not be live, but the networks and
affiliates still rely upon exclusivity in the FIRST screening of their content.
>> Even with local news, one might question the need for live newscasts. It
>> is more likely that they would move to a new portal approach where
>> viewers can access the stories they want on demand, as many of us are
>> doing already.
>
> That part already exists, at the broadcasters' own sites.
Much more so for the 24/7 news networks than for the broadcast networks. But
yes, the way we consume news has already changed dramatically.
>
> In short, unless something changes, the only missing part is live
> *network*-content FOTI TV. VOD network content FOTI exists (no local
> broadcaster involvement). Local broadcaster content live and local
> broadcaster content on demand FOTI already exist. Pay TV online exists, live
> and on demand. There ain't many pieces missing in this puzzle!
Just one Bert…
Your MVPD verification passcode.
Regards
Craig
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