Networks not having shows online

[SuperBowlNachos]

What is the logic behind some TV Networks not offering shows online? Or in some cases not for a week? I was gonna try to watch Smallville, not online. The League, this season not online. American Chopper. Not online.

So instead of the network getting the advertising money for me watching it I'm just gonna download it.

[aholbert32]

Re: Networks not having shows online

What is the logic behind some TV Networks not offering shows online? Or in some cases not for a week? I was gonna try to watch Smallville, not online. The League, this season not online. American Chopper. Not online.

So instead of the network getting the advertising money for me watching it I'm just gonna download it.

Shows like AC and the League are cable shows that make money from advertising and cable subscriptions. Offering those shows online could cut into those dollars. The money made from online advertising is extremely small when compared to what they make from TV ad revenue and cable subscriber revenue. There is no incentive to offer the shows online. Now Smallville is a different case because its on broadcast TV.

Most people dont have the know how to download tv shows so thats not a huge threat for most networks. Piracy (downloading from torrents etc) isnt a big concern for most networks anymore. I work for one of the bigger networks and it isnt really a priority. We are more concerned with the sites that stream our networks and/or shows.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Networks not having shows online

That makes sense. I didn't think of FX as a subscriber channel since the networks take care of that and you usually get it if you get cable.

Fox doesn't have House online for a week and CBS doesn't have Big Bang Theory at all(they didn't last season at least). Just seems like the market would be bigger because everyone I talk to about TV has to watch at least one show online because they forgot to record it or can't.

[Cebby]

Re: Networks not having shows online

That makes sense. I didn't think of FX as a subscriber channel since the networks take care of that and you usually get it if you get cable.

Fox doesn't have House online for a week and CBS doesn't have Big Bang Theory at all(they didn't last season at least). Just seems like the market would be bigger because everyone I talk to about TV has to watch at least one show online because they forgot to record it or can't.

Cable shows are obvious.

Online shows are meant to expand the audience. BBT and House are flagship shows of the network and already have large viewership. Fox and CBS want you to watch those shows when they're aired.

[aholbert32]

Re: Networks not having shows online

That makes sense. I didn't think of FX as a subscriber channel since the networks take care of that and you usually get it if you get cable.

Fox doesn't have House online for a week and CBS doesn't have Big Bang Theory at all(they didn't last season at least). Just seems like the market would be bigger because everyone I talk to about TV has to watch at least one show online because they forgot to record it or can't.

FX still recieves cable subscriber fees. They are really small compared to ESPN or HBO but it is a revenue stream. One other thing about cable is that some of the agreements between certain networks and cable companies restrict them from broadcasting their shows online.

[mgoblue]

Re: Networks not having shows online

Most people dont have the know how to download tv shows so thats not a huge threat for most networks. Piracy (downloading from torrents etc) isnt a big concern for most networks anymore. I work for one of the bigger networks and it isnt really a priority. We are more concerned with the sites that stream our networks and/or shows.

Good points! Most normal people don't know about torrent files and whatnot, along with the fact that they probably don't have streaming set up to their tv's...

I'm sure the movie industry cares more about the downloads (because that's more directly taking money out of their pockets), but for tv shows that people can watch for free it's not worth the focus...

Stopping people from watching easily on the web is a much bigger concern, cause regular internet surfers can google "Mad Men streaming" or something and find that episode.

Hadn't really thought about it that way.

[aholbert32]

Re: Networks not having shows online

Good points! Most normal people don't know about torrent files and whatnot, along with the fact that they probably don't have streaming set up to their tv's...

I'm sure the movie industry cares more about the downloads (because that's more directly taking money out of their pockets), but for tv shows that people can watch for free it's not worth the focus...

Stopping people from watching easily on the web is a much bigger concern, cause regular internet surfers can google "Mad Men streaming" or something and find that episode.

Hadn't really thought about it that way.

Exactly. Machete just came out a few weeks ago and I was planning on paying to see it until a DVD version hit the net about a week ago. Thats directly taking money from a movie studio.

The streaming sites are pretty easy to take care of because most video streaming sites (like Youtube or Dailymotion) have easy ways to ask for a takedown. Also most of the public are scared to visit those sites because many of them have viruses or spyware.

[mgoblue]

Re: Networks not having shows online

Exactly. Machete just came out a few weeks ago and I was planning on paying to see it until a DVD version hit the net about a week ago. Thats directly taking money from a movie studio.

The streaming sites are pretty easy to take care of because most video streaming sites (like Youtube or Dailymotion) have easy ways to ask for a takedown. Also most of the public are scared to visit those sites because many of them have viruses or spyware.

Yeah, I feel less bad for dl'ing shows that I only download cause the stupid networks put some of the shows I like at the same time causing DVR overload lol

I do have to check my Cox On Demand though, they're starting to offer more current shows on there...I watch in legit ways if it's relatively easy to.

[p_rushing]

Re: Networks not having shows online

I wouldn't feel bad about shows on broadcast tv. If it is on in your area, it is available for free and you shouldn't have any problems commonsense wise, although I'm sure legally it is a problem.