Could web videos be the future for network TV (NBC, Fox, CBS, ABC)? Networks are looking for new ways to earn money. The Internet and website videos may be the answer.

The future could involve advertising, delivery of content, and production of web content. In fact, networks are considering advertising on non-network video content. For example, DigiDay reports CBS has a deal with Vevo

“which both companies sell ad inventory on the Web show Live on Letterman on their respective properties”1

In order for advertising to work, you need an audience. Fox and ABC are going to be taking more control over their shows on websites like Hulu. Fox is taking the lead by requiring users to prove they are a cable or satellite subscriber in order to watch the latest television episodes. Non-subscribers can watch the video about eight days after the original airing2.

I posted an article on how cable companies are losing customers in record amounts. Is this a way to help bring people back to cable? What do you think about this?

  1. http://www.digidaydaily.com/stories/broadcasters-mull-their-own-web-video-ad-nets/ [↩]
  2. http://www.fierceonlinevideo.com/story/report-abc-ready-join-fox-pulling-new-shows-streaming-sites/2011-08-16 [↩]