6.+New+Delivery+Methods

__ ** In this space include comments, questions, or points of discussion concerning NEW DELIVERY METHODS (apps, iTunes, media players, etc.)** __

I touched upon this topic in my mini-writing, but I wanted to add a section I forgot to add. Another way shows like Glee, American Idol, and X Factor have changed the music/radio industry is through making music interactive. Over the last 30+ years, requesting a song meant calling your local DJ and telling them what you want to hear. Now you can text and even "tweet" a station the song you want them to play. X Factor just a couple weeks ago allowed fans to vote for the performer they wanted to keep by sending a Twitter "Direct-Message". These methods allow fans to share their voice while using new technologies to make the process easier. While I don't think calling a DJ to request a song will ever go away, I do think all aspects of radio will eventually evolves along with our culture. I think we are only seeing the beginning. (Joshua Bowles 11/18/11)

In class you discussed the idea of web based shows. At first I thought you were talking about network shows being viewed on the internet via websites like abc.com, nbc.com, etc. Then you provided us with the example of the web based show "the Guild." After listening to the podcast in class I thought of another web based show. The show is called Countdown Daily and appears on ESPN.com. The show covers every NFL game that week and appears every Sunday about and hour after each game is played. It consists of two analysts discussing the game most important aspects. So if you want to hear what the ESPN analyst have to say about the game before you can view the highlights it is a create web based show. I think this constitues as a web based show because it appears every sunday and only appears online. (Michael Holmquist 11/7/11)

After listening to the podcast about "the guild" a web series, I realized that I have never watched a web show. I do not even know where to find them. I am constantly on the internet all times of the day and I would have no idea how to find out about a web show or where to even look for them. After listening to Felicia Day describe her following of the show, I wondered if there are any web shows that I would be the ideal audience for? I am not a gamer and am not interested in gaming, so The Guild is something that I would not watch. However, there has to be something out there for me? Now I just need to start searching. (sarah davis 11/4/11)

Okay so this is embarrassing that I am posting about Justin Bieber but it. is. happening. So at the end of MT10, the Culture Today section entitled "Justin Bieber and YouTube" is all about how he unknowingly launched his own career at the young age of 12 by posting a video of himself at a local talent competition on YouTube for his relatives who couldn't make it to the show, to see. His mom continued to upload videos of him doing renditions of various R&B songs and as his uploads grew, so did his fan base, eventually catching the attention of Scooter Braun, former marketing exec for So So Def. Just this week the following announcement regarding the Bieb's YouTube plays was released not only making headlines, but making history: [|TIME Article] This goes to show that the power of electronic media as a driving force in media consumption today is absolutely undeniable. (Alyssa Rossman-Rorman 11/3/11)


 * Thanks for swallowing your pride and posting about The Biebs! And //Mistletoe// will be HUGE. Dr. P (11/7/11)

In class today we discussed the production of "Web Shows" and how "The Guild" rose from some quiet idea into a part of our pop culture receiving millions of views on YouTube and Xbox Live. I feel like some of the shows I watch that are only online have a creative freedom and realness you don't see on cable or network television. I have watched many YouTube videos that are so simple in production value, but the stories are riveting and make we want to keep watching. We talked about what makes a good web series and included the length being a key aspect. In our world, most of us can't pay attention to something for more than five minutes so it is very important for web shows to harness that valuable time. Another aspect that needs to be mentioned is that fact that with so many options, if one of these five minute shows doesn't appeal to you, there are probably hundreds of similar ones that may peak your interest. (Joshua Bowles 11/2/11)
 * Josh--what are some of the ones that you have watched? Are they series...or just mini-movies that get uploaded to YouTube? I'd really like to have examples here. I find it very interesting. Dr. P 11/6/11.

Since Wednesday of last week I have been closely following the retransmission agreement conflict between FOX networks and DirectTV. I live in a house with over 50 DirectTV boxes and the reactions by everyone I live with have been so incredible to see. I too was freaking out over the potential of losing FX along with the other FOX net channels because I am an avid- almost religious, watcher of several shows on the channel. Until this class, this sort of news never caught my attention in the same way as it has recently. It's been good practice being able to explain what exactly is going on between the networks and our cable provider and why it's occurring. On a different note, I read the short article on web only shows that was posted and found it really interesting how different the numbers are that distinguish a web only show as a "success" or "hit," versus the number of views a television program or even a youtube video needs to receive. While some of the shows have made a relative impact in the web only show realm and with web show viewers, I think it is still a ways off from becoming a fully accepted, integrated, and normalized delivery method. (Alyssa Rossman-Rorman 11/2/11)

In chapter 3 of Gillan, we learn how ABC refocused on strategies for generating larger audiences after Season 1 of //Lost.// ABC took a cue from FOX and the scheduling and windowing strategies they implemented for their hit series //24//. ABC compressed the time between //Lost//'s distribution windows and utilized alternate content delivery systems to make the series available to old and new viewers (those who needed to catch up or start from the very beginning) in order to watch the next on-air episode. The show saw a definite spike in ratings between the first and second season. This was thanks to the release of the DVD immediately proceeding the premiere of season two. Although this strategy initially worked, over time it became harder to attract and maintain "casual viewers" (one of the main contributors to 'blockbuster ratings'). //Lost//, unlike //24,// required sequential viewing, not merely from the start of the season, but from the start of the entire series. (Alyssa Rossman-Rorman, 10/03/11)

The Media Today book discussed the idea of media convergence. Media convergence is the integration of various media across other mediums. This idea has interested me over the years as the newspaper industry begins to fade away. Now everything needs a mobile app or to be available online. Decades ago these things would probably have never been imagined. Media convergence is more than just a trend, its a shift in societal normalcy. Kids 5-10 years from now will never remember the times when they read a paper newspaper or had a phone that couldn't take pictures. This shift in technology is really a shift in lifestyle. (Joshua Bowles 9/30/11)


 * Love the phrase "shift in societal normalcy", Joshua! Dr. P 10.1.11

In MT6 after reading the section how to emphasize the global movement of content, it was clear to see the strategy that Disney was using. Since Disney became global, and branched Disney International the company itself has boomed. This seemed similar to the discussion regarding global sales of stations because it is just another way to increase profit and gain reputability. The way Disney did this, was by tending to their desirable audience, and following the Disney genre, so people were given what they expected. (Jordan Kay 9/23/11)

In my last mini writing about the adoption of using internet while watching a television program, I discussed how certain t.v. programs are using the internet to their advantage. For example, I noticed on CMT they have a music video show where people have to go on to their website and physically vote for their favorite music video. The whole point of the show is to try and get as many votes for your favorite music video so it will play next in that episode. It forces the viewers to interact with the show on their website. I think this is a perfect example of how television programs are trying to get viewers to use the internet while they watch their shows. (Rachel Schmitt 9/22/11

In MT6 the importance of the adoption of new distribution technologies is emphasized. A great recent example that I've seen of this is the Verizon/ NFL partnership that has lead to the unveiling of NFL Mobile for 2011. The new Smartphone App whose slogan is, "Take the NFL action with you," claims to be the perfect mobile medium for viewing "Heart–pumping highlights. Game–day play. And awe–inspiring audio. Only on NFL Mobile from Verizon. Packed with what all football fans crave. Football, football and more football." In the integration process of alerting Smartphone users to the new app there has been increasing air time of the 30 second spot (available at: http://viad.tv/video-11628/verizon-footballs-launch-nfl-mobile-for-2011/ and the website) and on a crisp, clean, and bold website all its own (http://sponsorship.verizonwireless.com/nfl/). On the site devoted to the launch, you can connect to Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and so forth. With the numerous pathways the app is being advertised, it is almost guaranteed that any one who should know about this NFL mobile revelation, will soon certainly find out. (Alyssa Rossman-Rorman 9/20/11)

The use of Twitter "hash tags" during TV broadcasts is becoming more and more visible as stations are trying to find ways to integrate social media and community interaction into their television shows. They not only want viewers to watch the show, but they also want them to be talking to their friends about it. The best thing TV stations can do is continue expanding on this practice and make sure it is not just some of their shows, but every single one. Fans want interaction and exclusivity. Build on that and ratings will continue to grow. (Joshua Bowles 9/16/11)

TV programs take advantage of the fact that they can have viewers on computers while watching TV. During shows, such as New Jersey Housewives, and other programs on Bravo, they suggest you to tweet your opinions on the show. They also suggest questions to be asked via twitter on reunion shows, regarding reality TV personas. The encouragement of using your computer while viewing a show also allows the station to set up the viewer with advertisements from their TV and computer at the same time, making them more money. Jordan Kay (9.15.11)

The Fin-Syn rules were originally established to prevent a monopoly by one of the big 3 television broadcast networks (NBC, CBS, and ABC). Networks could either distribute programming or be the production house that makes the programming, but not both. However, these rules were repealed when more broadcast networks like FOX and the CW (formerly called the WB) as well as additional cable networks like MTV, TBS, and ESPN became available to viewers. Additionally, the Fin-Syn rules did not apply to cable networks and this would give said networks a competitive advantage. (Carly Leonard, 9/21/2011)