AMC, ABC and other networks limit audiences by denying streaming services; loose money due to consumer choice

V the series on ABC, and The Walking Dead on AMC.
Good programs .. but I'm no longer a viewer. I will find something else to watch on a different network that embraces the reality that content should  be readily available and consumer controlled. Consumer controlled content, - a process that has audiences dropping cable companies and traditional network TV in favor of online services such as Hulu and Netflix and on some other demographic levels watching hours of Youtube. Some Youtube channels are now rivaling network TV with fun content, increasing production values, millions of viewers and easily accessible public statistics. Netflix isn't perfect they still don't include close captioning for those with disabilities but it allows people to better budget their time and streamline their media intake. Hulu includes adverts, though minimal, we all watch adverts on the internet, right? Hulu is clever enough to understand that given a choice consumers will choose which adverts they want to watch more of, and tailor it to the overall experience  then harvest the statistics I'd imagine. Data I'm sure companies would sell their soul to get if they just understood the value of better designing commercials that work. There was a weird thing years ago that carried moving pictures across the airwaves, was free, and there were regular advertisements that large companies paid for. Then came the advent of cable. Consumers paid for the programming, and in effect watched commercials bought the products and cable companies received both revenue for subscriptions and from the companies that paid for the advertisements. Now its a new age networks are confused on what to do and it shows.

   I guess I feel most sorry for the actors/crew/writers that may not have a job in a few months after filming a season of a show because of networks consciously limiting audiences that lead to eventual cancelations. What hurts actors more, I'm sure, is the fact that when their faces are exposed less-  it closes up more career opportunities because audiences actually didn't see them as much as they could have, had they been more easily accessible. If I were an actor in this day and age I would make sure my contract would have a clause that would require the network or Studio to stream content even if for a limited time.  I for one generally like a good show ..then  eventually get the DVD for the series (which is usually about a third of a months cable bill- so I'm told) . They win thrice in most people's case- cable subscriptions, advertising dollars, DVD sales. But don't take my word for it, think of the many series of shows that were resurrected (some more than once), remade, or spun-off of only after repeated internet viewings, word of mouth and  phenomenal DVD sales.

  If networks continue to implement their old and tired business models  they will continually loose profits then ironically blame the internet for their loss and find some other service  to deny or way to squeeze money from you. Sure, link this if your tired of high cable prices and networks keeping content from online services such as Netflix and Hulu. I'm not saying give the whole cow for free, just post the latest episodes of programs and take it away after a week. Take in the advertising dollars from the internet, get some new fans of the show (exponentially in most cases the internet is a funny thing - its like word of mouth to hundreds of people at a time instead of water cooler 1 on 1 conversations), hook em' hard,  sell some DVD's. Thus completes the circle of life. 
 

 

I almost stopped watching Caprica because of this conundrum. Thankfully Sci-fi had enough foresight to understand keeping science fiction nerds from (something similar to the TV show Dallas (1978-1991)but set in space) would be like denying make-up at a beauty pageant - it would just get ugly between people. This would be kind of like angering the person that makes your food at a restaurant (the net nerds of course(cooks) the word of mouth conductors that make "the buzz" that help sell the show in the first place).Yes that is an admission to Nerd-dom. Was there ever any doubt - but without nerds you wouldn't have Viagra or the internet so bite your tongue. I vow to no longer view networks or shows that make promises they can't keep. People give Fox a lot of grief but at least they stream almost everything, and were pioneers that opened the door to programming we enjoy so much now. Show of hands - how many of you were really sick and tired of the perfect American family pre- Married with Children. I mean I'm just saying.....I mean how conservative was "In Living Color"?, "Mad TV"? or Mcfarlane's brood and cartoon monopoly for that matter? Try looking up some things that break new ground like: Glee (breaks many conventions I'm sure many would have thought they'd never see in a lifetime- and just won a golden globe or two), Fringe (a more topical cerebral version of the X-files on steroids), Raising Hope (you canceled My Name is Earl NBC, so Fox made a series about - you guessed it a less than perfect American family with the same creators). All above mentioned are streaming and LEGAL; all quality; all entertaining; all have fans growing in record numbers.
 

I think that even Youtube shows are getting more interesting with increasingly better production values, and ridiculously high statistics and numbers. I saw a few second clip of a hairless newborn bunny had like four million views and some 10 minute shows and channels have multiple millions of viewers. Networks - time to adapt a new business model - "get with the program". Shareholders agree in many industries that applying a tired old business model to evolving trends and technologies is a bad idea - so I must not be completely in outer space on this subject.

So remember: take control of your media,and money - demand control over content and simply just stop watching shows and networks that jerk you around. It's absolutely no skin off my keister I assure you. I got scripts to develop and productions to schedule possibly sound to mix. My "relaxation time" entertainment budget is extremely limited and goes to companies that work for it, NOT those that demand it. I haven't owned a TV for eleven or so years.

Thanks for your interest in this matter,
    TJPARSONS

 

Click here for ABC's official statement on V the series.