Internet fast-emerging competitor for local TV stations
“Local [TV] stations are suffering a full-fledged identity crisis. Networks used to need them to broadcast shows. But 85% of U.S. households now receive TV via cable or satellite, and the Internet is a fast-emerging competitor. As TV companies allow people to watch shows whenever they want — on iPods, on-demand cable services and network Web sites — local stations are apt to endure even more losses…Stations have traditionally had little competition in local markets for video advertising. Until the Internet and the video iPod came along, they had the exclusive right to air new episodes of big network comedies and dramas.” – Wall Street Journal reporter Brooks Barnes
Local Stations Struggle to Adapt As Web Grabs Viewers, Revenue (WSJ; paid subscription required or get the free syndicated version from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)
