The other night I missed the premier of a new show touted the past few weeks in magazines and articles. Did I TiVo it, record the episode on VHS, or just hope that one day I might watch who fell for who on a rerun? Simply put, I loaded up the trustworthy laptop and tuned in online. The growing trend of online viewing has created a love affair, more than the show I wanted to watch, between the world of television and the world of the internet. Recent occurrences in media trends towards the internet have been noted as affecting live television viewership, but helps set record ratings for shows overall.
A recent move from CBS has brought a beloved American past time, March Madness, to the click of a mouse. A recent article by Paul Gough discusses how the station who used to black out games online has now switched to a constant, live stream of all the games being played. With over 1.4 million viewers watching online last year, the numbers are not yet in with how many have brought the game to them this year. CBS launched the multiplatform allowing users to not register or pay for the games. An application on Facebook allowing members to post their bracket was project to break 3 million members before the first tip off.
Television remains top pick for many viewers, and the ratings prove it. The backlash from the writer’s strike won’t stop viewers from tuning in. A study reviewed by the Hollywood Reporter states that 62 percent of viewers will return to their favorite programming as new episodes are released. With programming including March Madness, the American Idol finale, the 2008 Summer Olympics, and a heated political election in the future, ratings are expected to raise as audiences tune in. Already, 82 percent of viewers feel like they are watching as much TV as they always have.
The love affair between internet and television remains a mystery unfolding for the media world. With new technology allowing online viewers to stream their favorite episodes with limited commercials and now YouTube coming to a TiVo near you, this battle urges on. Michelle Quinn, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, recently wrote about the new deal that will allow someone with TiVo to upload videos from YouTube to watch. Neilson Online reported that YouTube accounts for 57 percent of the 1116.7 million monthly online video views. This number, growing each year, has made itself a major player in the online viewing market.
No matter the internet push, television is here to stay and will remain as a primary source of entertainment and news. The ratings, however, could be affected drastically with more programming heading towards the web. Already, viewership numbers can be deciphered between those viewing live, on a recording device, or online. These numbers have the opportunity to change drastically and with it advertising and commercials must adjust. While I enjoy the internet, nothing is better than sitting on your couch watching your favorite show. With commercials, the idea of TiVo and DVR capabilities will be a force to be reckoned with. With new technology and new ideas, the ties of the internet and television to the media will be changing for years to come.