Television is the New Television

Posted by Rich Crowley in Change, innovation, Media

Author Michael Wolff’s book, of which I only read the abstract via getabstract, reinforces a simple truth that exists in my universe – namely, a good story makes for good entertainment.   He argues that new digital media companies are following the same model as the old line media companies they are seeking to replace (newspapers, for example) by providing disposable content to large viewerships.  Ad rates (and thus their business model), are tied to the viewership metrics.

TV on the other hand, shines when it provides boutique, high-quality content.  This can be based on well-crafted stories with high quality production or it can be in live events such as sports. (He does acknowledge that to some degree, reality TV plays in the low quality, low-cost disposal fare space).

Millenials, the first truly digital generation, are going to consume as much TV content as other generations, just not on TV.  It may be via Netflix or similar ilk, it’s still engaging content that they are after.

He also makes an interesting point with the notion that unbundling scares the bejeepers out of media companies because of how it disruptors like i-Tunes destroyed the record labels.  Think of a universe where you could buy only the channels / content that you wanted?