It's nice to read that others agree with my assessment that print can be viable in new media. Digital distribution still requires branded content and the newspaper industry can embrace the convergence of print and video into their business model. The article asks an interesting question, "Will newspaper video one day be the Web’s version of “Must See TV”?" The answer depends on maintaining the same editorial edge with their online content as they do with their print. National newspapers are known for their award winning coverage and regional papers can excel with localism. They can aggregate and disseminate valuable information that effects their communities.
Distribution may shift, but content matters. Breaking news, insightful commentary, and local interest are the keys to its success. Stay competitive and papers will see their mature business become reinvigorated and competitive again!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Future of the CD and DVD
As digital distribution explodes and revenues increase from digital downloads and cd and dvd sales drop, the question remains, what happens to the physical disc - the cd and the dvd. The rise of HD players and Wii games all require a disc to hold the content. So how many years before the disc, like the audio record and laser disc before it, is no more?
The human spirit seems to be about collections, a visible reminder of the things that we acquire. We collected albums, cds, and dvds to showcase and love to go through our library and "pick out" something we want to hear or watch. So will we completely get away from these material holders of content and rely only on the virtual library on our laptop. Will we need to transfer these digital downloads to external hard drives to save our copies or will we rely on a centralized server that we access our stuff whenever or wherever we are.
We have always had something physical in our hand to play until Apple's iTunes made it not just okay, but preferable to shun the disc for the download. The slippery slope says that the dvd will go down the same path. Does something replace it? Is the flash drive the next device to use to transfer from pc to game boy? Changes in media continue to shake up the revenue model. I'm waiting for the day that every home has a centralized server with back up drives. And digital rights on each piece of content to limit its unauthorized sharing. And others trying to break the lock. with VOD and streaming, the days of dvds and cds are declining rapidly. Will the Wii and the new HD dvd players keep them alive longer? How many years from now will they be gone? It's only a matter of time.
The human spirit seems to be about collections, a visible reminder of the things that we acquire. We collected albums, cds, and dvds to showcase and love to go through our library and "pick out" something we want to hear or watch. So will we completely get away from these material holders of content and rely only on the virtual library on our laptop. Will we need to transfer these digital downloads to external hard drives to save our copies or will we rely on a centralized server that we access our stuff whenever or wherever we are.
We have always had something physical in our hand to play until Apple's iTunes made it not just okay, but preferable to shun the disc for the download. The slippery slope says that the dvd will go down the same path. Does something replace it? Is the flash drive the next device to use to transfer from pc to game boy? Changes in media continue to shake up the revenue model. I'm waiting for the day that every home has a centralized server with back up drives. And digital rights on each piece of content to limit its unauthorized sharing. And others trying to break the lock. with VOD and streaming, the days of dvds and cds are declining rapidly. Will the Wii and the new HD dvd players keep them alive longer? How many years from now will they be gone? It's only a matter of time.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Print Should Prosper with New Media
What the newspaper industry needs to understand and embrace is the opportunity that new media brings to their business. They are the makers of content, and news presents important currency to the online world. It is ever changing and brings viewers to repeatedly view their sites for the most updated information. They are content creators and have built brand names and credibility from their traditional print distribution.
Change is hard, but as they adapt, they have the opportunity to attract more online users and be the preferred brand choice. It's interesting to note that the Wall Street Journal has made a decision not to give away all content for free and to continue to push the subscription model; as a print subscriber, it becomes an added value and ongoing source of valuable financial and business information. While the New York Times has moved away from this model, only time will tell which side is most financially successful. Magazines, like Newsweek and Time, may look with interest at these models for their business. Consumer Reports which does not accept advertising seems to have done quite well as a subscription only service.
Yes, most content is being delivered free and digital distribution enables people to share walled garden information outside the wall; but if the brand value and quality of the content can be groomed, it will only encourage others to purchase a subscription to enter the site.
Content is King. And original, credible, well produced content from known and trusted brands are preferred. Be it video, audio, or print, users will gravitate to those sites that do the best job making and analyzing the news and delivering quickly. It is old fashioned journalism with a new distribution stream.
Change is hard, but as they adapt, they have the opportunity to attract more online users and be the preferred brand choice. It's interesting to note that the Wall Street Journal has made a decision not to give away all content for free and to continue to push the subscription model; as a print subscriber, it becomes an added value and ongoing source of valuable financial and business information. While the New York Times has moved away from this model, only time will tell which side is most financially successful. Magazines, like Newsweek and Time, may look with interest at these models for their business. Consumer Reports which does not accept advertising seems to have done quite well as a subscription only service.
Yes, most content is being delivered free and digital distribution enables people to share walled garden information outside the wall; but if the brand value and quality of the content can be groomed, it will only encourage others to purchase a subscription to enter the site.
Content is King. And original, credible, well produced content from known and trusted brands are preferred. Be it video, audio, or print, users will gravitate to those sites that do the best job making and analyzing the news and delivering quickly. It is old fashioned journalism with a new distribution stream.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Phone with fold-away screen to launch in mid-2008
Size matters. And as we become more mobile and more green, the question remains which device works best to replace the traditional use of paper for newspapers, magazines, and books. Kindle, Sony Reader, even Apple iPhone are working to create a user friendly device that consumers might prefer. Now comes word of another venture into this space with the announcement of Readius, a mobile device with a screen that folds out to provide a larger viewing experience. And like the iPhone, this new device can also make a phone call.
Unless men start carrying a "manbag", it is only natural to expect devices that are small enough to fit into a pocket or attach to a belt, yet large enough to offer a realistic size screen for reading. As these devices get ergonomically more friendly, we are sure to see more interesting technological changes to come.
But the bigger question remains, will users prefer thses devices to a paper product that can be easily left behind or will they prefer to have their reading material synced to their reader. Time will tell.
Unless men start carrying a "manbag", it is only natural to expect devices that are small enough to fit into a pocket or attach to a belt, yet large enough to offer a realistic size screen for reading. As these devices get ergonomically more friendly, we are sure to see more interesting technological changes to come.
But the bigger question remains, will users prefer thses devices to a paper product that can be easily left behind or will they prefer to have their reading material synced to their reader. Time will tell.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Websites make it easy to catch a missed TV show; Networks value loyalty in watchers
Full length streaming continues to take center stage. HBO recently announced access to their east coast feed, as well as VOD type access, via broadband to their content. Surprising announcement given their parent, Time Warner Cable announcing a test to charge broadband customers based on usage rather than a flat fee.
USA Today offers an article comparing 6 different streaming websites. From Fancast and Joost to Hulu, they offer a side-by-side comparison of each site, its upside and down. From my personal experience, I have been most impressed by Hulu, and least by Joost. My experiences with Fancast have been limited. Still, I like the quality of Hulu's picture, the variety of programming, and the spped of access. The commercial interruptions have been limited and not too overwhelming.
As the writers strike continues, the quality of product on TV has gone downhill. I remain a Heroes fan and anxious for its return. As a traveler, I rely on streaming to substitute for Tivo away from home. It is what I want when I want where I want.
USA Today offers an article comparing 6 different streaming websites. From Fancast and Joost to Hulu, they offer a side-by-side comparison of each site, its upside and down. From my personal experience, I have been most impressed by Hulu, and least by Joost. My experiences with Fancast have been limited. Still, I like the quality of Hulu's picture, the variety of programming, and the spped of access. The commercial interruptions have been limited and not too overwhelming.
As the writers strike continues, the quality of product on TV has gone downhill. I remain a Heroes fan and anxious for its return. As a traveler, I rely on streaming to substitute for Tivo away from home. It is what I want when I want where I want.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Is Writers Strike Affecting TV Consumption
Ask yourself, are you watching less TV because the writers strike has stopped production. Per this article and the research it reports, heavy TV viewers are watching significantly less tv. This number does not make sense, especially given the fact that, except for late night talk shows, the nets continued to broadcast original scripted series. In addition, networks like NBC have been able to hold back shows like Medium, for mid season replacement, so that scripted series continue to be available to the viewer. The problems will be felt toward the Summer as scripted series will have dried up and no pilots will have been created to start the Fall season. I believe that is when research can best identify where the viewer is going for content: broadcast, cable, VOD, DVD, on the pc, and even gaming, like the Wii.
So take this research with a grain of salt. It just seems to soon for this extent of repercussion to be felt. And don't expect a significant change in viewing either. Kids have become pretty adept at multi-tasking and they are sure to watch their favorite you tube video as the tv plays on.
My fingers do remain crossed that the DGA agreement leads to the WGA and AMPTP getting back to the table. We have an insatiable need for original content and that will get the real play on You Tube.
So take this research with a grain of salt. It just seems to soon for this extent of repercussion to be felt. And don't expect a significant change in viewing either. Kids have become pretty adept at multi-tasking and they are sure to watch their favorite you tube video as the tv plays on.
My fingers do remain crossed that the DGA agreement leads to the WGA and AMPTP getting back to the table. We have an insatiable need for original content and that will get the real play on You Tube.
Friday, January 18, 2008
DGA Deal - Will new pact be template for WGA contract?
Exciting to read the news that the DGA has come to terms with the AMPTP. At the same time, does the deal cover enough of the key points for the writers to satisfy their demands. One article suggests that the dollar amounts for creation of web content is unrealistically high and that most web content costs far lower than the threshholds in the agreement. On the other hand, the percentages of new media content are being linked to grosses, a key issue for the writers.
Still this agreement does provide a small bit of hope that a template is available that will help the writers and producers finally agree to terms.
Still this agreement does provide a small bit of hope that a template is available that will help the writers and producers finally agree to terms.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Chrysler Shifts Ads to Sports, Web as Writers Strike
Now if the AMPTP have a reason to worry, it might just be that the writers strike will be the tipping point to monies leaving TV for new media. Automobile advertising is one of the largest segment of ad dollars for broadcast, cable, and spot sales. As interesting and compelling programming stops being produced, the viewer seeks out fresh alternatives and the ad money follows. In the case for autos, opportunities exist on new video sites like NextNewNetworks niche channel Fast Lane Daily, as well as dozens of other websites. Opportunities also exist on VOD; networks like Lifeskool (formerly MagRack) have niche channels like Auto Access, a perfect "new" place to target ad dollars.
So television appears to lose from the writers strike and new media appears to gain. In reality, as far as the AMPTP is concerned, it may simply be shifting dollars, lost from one pocket but added to another. These same corporations tend to be equally as diversified, with their assets spread across new media. CBS as an example owns Wallstrip, and has just moved their host, Lindsay Cambell to a new video website, moblogic. Time Warner offers automobile programming on demand across their cable systems. So these conglomerates simply have to push their ad sales groups harder to take these ad dollars. And with deep pockets, they can handle the loss of revenue knowing that their costs are being cut too. Web divisions tend to need fewer people to operate so the margins may be able to grow at a faster rate.
Yes, the entertainment landscape is changing, but the big fish stay big for a reason. They can manage through the shift and maintain their strength in the long run.
So television appears to lose from the writers strike and new media appears to gain. In reality, as far as the AMPTP is concerned, it may simply be shifting dollars, lost from one pocket but added to another. These same corporations tend to be equally as diversified, with their assets spread across new media. CBS as an example owns Wallstrip, and has just moved their host, Lindsay Cambell to a new video website, moblogic. Time Warner offers automobile programming on demand across their cable systems. So these conglomerates simply have to push their ad sales groups harder to take these ad dollars. And with deep pockets, they can handle the loss of revenue knowing that their costs are being cut too. Web divisions tend to need fewer people to operate so the margins may be able to grow at a faster rate.
Yes, the entertainment landscape is changing, but the big fish stay big for a reason. They can manage through the shift and maintain their strength in the long run.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Apple announcements at Macworld
With CES done till next year, attention turns to Macworld and to what Apple's next big announcement will be. Apple continues to demonstrate that it understands the new media world and the connection between useful software and ergonomically attractive hardware. And while they have had a few misses like Apple TV, the iPhone, the mac, even the use of intel chips have made Steve Jobs more right than wrong.
The rumors swirl around the introduction of a rental app to iTune, a more improved Apple TV, smaller versions of existing products and who knows what else. For me, I'd love to hear a Tivo or slingbox partnership, the iPhone screen on the large mac desktops and books, and more communication innovations - wimax. it will certainly be fascinating this week to hear which rumors are indeed true and which are simply wishes. But as it has been seen, Steve Jobs sure knows how to make wishes come true.
The rumors swirl around the introduction of a rental app to iTune, a more improved Apple TV, smaller versions of existing products and who knows what else. For me, I'd love to hear a Tivo or slingbox partnership, the iPhone screen on the large mac desktops and books, and more communication innovations - wimax. it will certainly be fascinating this week to hear which rumors are indeed true and which are simply wishes. But as it has been seen, Steve Jobs sure knows how to make wishes come true.
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