ABC Streaming Episodes – Brilliant!
I’m not usually someone who roots for one media empire over the other. I generally just like to watch them duke it out and reap the benefits of a lower priced CD or new tech innovations that make my consumption of music, movies, and a little TV easier.
However, I have to applaud ABC for their streaming video options they’ve set up. Maybe it’s just because now I don’t have to sweat the fact that I missed LOST on Wednesday night because I had more important things to do. Maybe it’s because it allows me to watch a show or two when I want, not being bound to the schedule of the TV Guide. I’m trying to not be a TV junkie, so this really helps.
ABC has made some of it’s top shows available for streaming viewing on their website the day after the episode airs on TV. This allows viewers another chance to watch their favorite show and also gives ABC the ability to get more sponsorship. Seems like they’ve probably worked the business side of this out in their favor. It also seems like a smack in Apple’s face because people like me don’t have to spend $1.99 on an episode of LOST and can watch it at home when I want. As often as I watch videos on my iPod (rarely? never? what, am I a commuter who has a lot of time to kill? how many of us are there that actually use this feature?), I’d rather just stream it for FREE at home. As I said, Brilliant!
For something like this, it seems fine with me to let the media empires battle it out. I’m sure Apple has seen a dip in profits off selling ABC shows. And I’m sure other networks aren’t far behind with this option for viewers (some probably already do this, remember, I’m trying not to be a TV junkie, so I don’t know). How capitalist of me: competition is good. ;-D
