Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out

I’ve seen every episode of 30 Rock. That may not sound like much of an accomplishment, but at 47 years old you need to hang your hat on something. But this isn’t about what I watch on TV, this is about what I don’t watch on TV: and what I don’t watch on TV is 30 Rock.  That’s because I watch it on my computer.

That’s right, I’ve never actually sat on the couch on Thursday night and seen my favorite current TV show. And why should I? Between NBC’s website and Hulu there’s no need. Hell, there’s not even a need to record the show. 

Add this to the growing list of things that are killing changing local television. The network said that offering full episodes for free online would build audience. It has. It’s built audience for their website. And in terms of selling advertising, online viewing is a valuable little gem with an attractive demo. 

What’s happening to local TV is not an earthquake where everything slides suddenly into the ocean. Think of it more like a beach where the audience is going away one grain of sand at a time. A little bit here and a little bit there and before you know it you’re standing in the water. And the water’s getting higher.

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