Comments on: More original local programming key to survival

By: Vikas

Vikas — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:12:03 +0000

Videocon TV
model no : TV21X-50

it has no contrast variation

thats why i have need,

how to open service menu in my TV.

By: Vikas

Vikas — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:11:19 +0000

TV21X-50

it has no contrast variation

thats why i have need,

how to open service menu in my TV.

By: Bhavesh

Bhavesh — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:55:41 +0000

i have one problem in my tv

Videocon X-lent
model no : TV21X-50

it has no contrast variation

thats why i have need,

how to open service menu in my TV.

THANKS IN ADVANCE

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 01:23:40 +0000

Why not create a local “TV Land” type broadband channel / digital channel with all of your old programming?

Why let it rot on the shelves? Use it to make money…

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 01:10:00 +0000

Why not take all those years of Almost Live! and stream ‘em on the web and vodcast ‘em too? I’d give anything to see Uncle Fran’s Musical Forest or Governor Gary Locke’s cameo on the John Report (”And now the spotlight falls on Governor Gary Locke”).

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 21:02:54 +0000

So Cory, does this mean KING is going to bring back “Almost Live!” (and broadcast it on NWCN so those of us in Spokane can watch it)

By: charlie

charlie — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 19:06:55 +0000

Here in Houston KTRK (ABC O&O) has a production department who’s sole function is the development of long-form specials. Of course, most have a newsy slant, but are quite watchable–and pull a great number Sunday nights following the “football” (quotes because we’re talking Texans Football) wrapup.

KHOU (Belo) produces a morning show that’s at least partically advertorial driven. Despite the weak host, the show also pulls good numbers.

Of course, none of it comes to the standard of what I remember seeing on WCVB in Boston while I was in college. Miller’s Court is a perfect example. Great content that must have drawn an audience…

And what about the D2 channels? KTRK runs loops of those specials, KHOU has the weather radar on theirs, and God knows what the rest do…

The opportunities for making compelling content available are greater than ever. So, why is it we seem to have less than ever?

It can’t just be money.

By: thelosangeleschannel

thelosangeleschannel — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:31:04 +0000

look out, safran… randy called your website a “channel”.

By: Randy Hoffman

Randy Hoffman — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:16:20 +0000

Interesting post. And your call on local programming becoming news programming is right on. In many stations the title of news director has evolved to something like: VP of News and Original Programming. So what kind of original programming do you think a news director will create? Also, the vast majority of resources a local station has for original programming is found in the news budget.

And as far as cost of production and return on investment, why do we continue to think of local programing in traditional ways? Why does local programming mean a 30-minute program? Or a 15-minute program? Is U-Tube a program channel? Would your state consider funding a local C-Span? Are widgets really just a form of programming? And I found this very interesting “channel” a couple weeks ago with some interesting “programming,” it’s called Lost Remote!

By: Stephen Warley

Stephen Warley — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:10:24 +0000

Saundra,

This is the “broadcast trap”. Production values are just one aspect of content. There is tons of local TV news programming with high production values and incredible boring and inane content.

HDTV is also a shining example. It’s had almost no impact on ratings. It works for sports, travel, and nature programming, but who really cares if they watch local TV news in HD?

There are plenty of low cost models out there outside of news:

1. Reality and non-scripted programming
2. American’s Funniest Home Videos
3. VH1’s Web Junk 20

Some potental revenue models:
1. one sponsor for entire program
2. local sopping show like http://www.ourmaine.com
3. infomercial model as described by Jason

I also agree with Cory that there’s a great opportunity to go after niches online. Check out:

1. TurnHere.com
2. Boston.tv

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:44:00 +0000

I see a place for the infomercial model: local producers sell their own ad time, and then buy the time from the station. If the show draws an audience, perhaps the model flips. In the meantime, everyone makes money, and the audience wins.

By: Cory

Cory — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:05:01 +0000

It’s all about keeping production costs low. So I tend to approach this from the other direction: creating an onilne video show+podcast that may have some TV components, insteading of creating a TV show with web components.

By: saundra

saundra — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 14:49:52 +0000

But guys,
How do you make money? Seems like hyper-local stuff still has the high overhead (if it’s quality) with a drastic reduction in ad base. There aren’t enough bodies left in most stations to properly produce a fresh newscast, much less create fabulous original programming.

By: invitedmedia

invitedmedia — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 14:12:15 +0000

google also had the “financial base of a university” when it started… and look how that failed.

all the best to you!

By: Stephen Warley

Stephen Warley — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 14:11:10 +0000

Randall, very cool stuff! And Ralph there are no shameless plugs on LR . . . . .it’s all about sharing ideas, right?!