No more TV fall season tradition? - The Orange Mane

Crushaholic · 02-20-2008, 04:27 PM

Any thoughts about this? It would radically change how Americans look forward to new content in September...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/bu...gewanted=print

It soon may be time to retire the phrase “fall television season.”

NBC Universal took a big step toward undoing one of the television industry’s oldest traditions by announcing Tuesday that it would move to a year-round schedule of staggered program introductions. The move is intended to appeal to advertisers, who crave fresh content to keep viewers tuned in.

And if it succeeds — and leads other broadcast networks to shift from their focus on a mass introduction of new shows — it could alter an American cultural cycle that extends all the way back to the days of radio, when families gathered around the Philco every September, as the school year began, to sample the new entertainment choices.

NBC plans to announce a 52-week schedule in April, a month before ABC and CBS will unveil their fall lineups at splashy presentations known as upfronts. The decision means that NBC will be committing to a new lineup of shows earlier than any of its competitors, while also inviting advertisers to build marketing plans around specific shows and perhaps to integrate brands and products into the plots of the shows themselves.

“We absolutely think this is going to change the industry,” said Michael Pilot, the head of sales for NBC. That was one of the goals cited by Jeff Zucker, the president and chief executive of NBC Universal, in comments he has made recently about how the strike by Hollywood writers could create opportunities to change some of the ways networks do business.

The fall television season has been under assault on many fronts, from the many cable channels that introduce new shows whenever they find it convenient, to individual series like ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” that made their debuts in odd months like March.

Viewers have already become accustomed to a spring lineup from Fox, for instance, and for fresh slates of reality shows during the summer.

But the move by NBC Universal, a property of General Electric and Vivendi, represents a particularly bold stroke by a network with the size and clout to move markets. After it announces a list of programs in April, NBC plans to meet with big advertising clients in several cities, followed by a different sort of presentation in May that will encompass all the NBC Universal properties, including cable channels like Bravo, USA and CNBC.

What that event will not include is a special introduction of the fall prime-time schedule, which NBC has held for years in Radio City Music Hall and as its broadcast network competitors still intend to do this year. NBC is looking for a different site for the presentation because the Music Hall is not appropriate for the plans it has for that day.

But the day will include an introduction of the yearlong programming plans for the press as well as a party for advertising clients that will include some NBC stars. “We still want to keep some of that sizzle,” Mr. Pilot said. Marc Graboff, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, said, “This is all about creating a two-way conversation with advertisers.”

Senior executives at media agencies greeted the NBC decision with mild to enthusiastic praise. “It’s a step in the right direction,” said Aaron Cohen, executive vice president at Horizon Media in New York. “Something like this was bound to happen.”

“I applaud it,” said Charlie Rutman, chief executive for North American operations at MPG in New York, a media agency owned by Havas, because “the idea of a constant stream of new programming is good.”

Shari Anne Brill, senior vice president and director for programming at another New York media agency, Carat, described the NBC plan as “a smart idea,” likening it to steps that Fox Broadcasting has tried in the past, announcing several schedules for a season, with new shows coming on the air in September, November and January and in the spring.

rugbythug · 02-20-2008, 04:32 PM

This is brought about by DVR. No longer does anyone miss there favorite show or just watch TV. It has gone program specific. So you need better content to keep veiwers. Thanks TIVO. Even though I don't use you anymore you were the one who started it all. I miss the sounds.

broncosteven · 02-20-2008, 04:39 PM

I miss Battle of the network stars in the summers.

Or the show where the network stars are in the circus.

TexanBob · 02-20-2008, 11:00 PM

Isn't NBC in last place in the ratings? This smells of desperation.

Dagmar · 02-20-2008, 11:06 PM

I'm sure they'll find a way to accomodate this change into their couch potato fat arsed lives...

(being controversial for no reason)

Killericon · 02-20-2008, 11:21 PM

Must be Jack Donagee's idea.

TDmvp · 02-20-2008, 11:27 PM

i wouldnt know what to do without Tivo , I'm so used to having it sometimes just in normal life i see something cool and my brain is all back that up i wana see that again

Dagmar · 02-20-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killericon

Must be Jack Donagee's idea.

Tracy Jordan: I'm gonna make you a mix tape. You like Phil Collins?
Jack: I've got two ears and a heart, don't I?

broncocalijohn · 02-20-2008, 11:52 PM

Foneco you NBC! I like having my summers free of whatever I want to do and not worry if I miss The Office or Earl. I dont have DVR thank you. We are still on the vcr tape and screw those that have abandon the tape.

Rausch 2.0 · 02-21-2008, 12:14 AM

I think a lot of it is a response to full seasons of hit shows going on DVD with the extras and whatnot. Why sit through a repeat of LOST every other week when I can just wait 4 months and the full season is out WITH extras and without commercials?

I've discovered Rescue Me that way and now I'm addicted.

Los Broncos · 02-21-2008, 12:48 AM

Meanwhile, im still watching reruns of Seinfeld.

Rausch 2.0 · 02-21-2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynchmob72

Meanwhile, im still watching reruns of Seinfeld.

Where do you live, Burma?...

Los Broncos · 02-21-2008, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch 2.0

Where do you live, Burma?...

No, but close.

I haven't gotten into new shows in the lastcouple of years, mostly because of work, gaming and sports.

At night i just watch a little TV.

Rausch 2.0 · 02-21-2008, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynchmob72

No, but close.

I haven't gotten into new shows in the lastcouple of years, mostly because of work, gaming and sports.

At night i just watch a little TV.

Night shift guy, 'eh?

I was there for years. At one time I had damned near every infomertial memorized. And one thing I miss: midnight national anthem.

Back when everything went dead around midnight and the national anthem would play before the fuzz. I don't know, for some reason I miss that with 25 hour TV. Probably a deep thought here somewhere...

Hogan11 · 02-21-2008, 01:09 AM

I just want USA to put the first season of Burn Notice on DVD.

I see the second season is starting up in April.....very cool.

Popps · 02-21-2008, 01:09 AM

Good thread.

The industry is definitely shifting. Some of it on their own doing, some of it forced on them by a ton of external forces ranging from reality TV to Tivo.
Interesting that the article mentioned the Upfronts. Those actually may be a thing of the past soon, too.

The network I work for told us we would be doing them this year, but gave us not so subtle hints that this might be the last. After that, we'd likely pitch to our advertisers in smaller, more personal settings.

There's no question a year-round lineup makes the most sense. It'll be more trying on the networks themselves, but should lead to increased revenues.
I'm fine with it. It'll keep us working more, and I believe ultimately lead to better programming choices for people.

TV really is going to change. The next decade will be very interesting.

Los Broncos · 02-21-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch 2.0

Night shift guy, 'eh?

I was there for years. At one time I had damned near every infomertial memorized. And one thing I miss: midnight national anthem.

Back when everything went dead around midnight and the national anthem would play before the fuzz. I don't know, for some reason I miss that with 25 hour TV. Probably a deep thought here somewhere...

Yeah, night shift

I wrote an essay about infomercials one time, B- baby!

Bronco_Beerslug · 02-21-2008, 07:28 AM

People actually still watch network TV commercials, uh I mean shows?

ElwayMD · 02-21-2008, 09:41 AM

The next step in all of this may turn into having our regular television networks turning into TV on demand. You have a listing of shows to pick from and through your box you can d/l a certain number of shows that you wish to watch with commercials included. You can already do it via the internet so why not just make it available from your cable box as well.

Advertisers are already trying to find ways to shape the ads you watch by changing the way the cable box works. If they had their way we would have commercials based on our age/sex/location and they are also trying to find ways to see what you buy and then send ads your way based on your purchasing trends.

02-20-2008, 04:27 PM	#1
Crushaholic Armchair Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 22,045	No more TV fall season tradition? Any thoughts about this? It would radically change how Americans look forward to new content in September... http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/bu...gewanted=print It soon may be time to retire the phrase “fall television season.” NBC Universal took a big step toward undoing one of the television industry’s oldest traditions by announcing Tuesday that it would move to a year-round schedule of staggered program introductions. The move is intended to appeal to advertisers, who crave fresh content to keep viewers tuned in. And if it succeeds — and leads other broadcast networks to shift from their focus on a mass introduction of new shows — it could alter an American cultural cycle that extends all the way back to the days of radio, when families gathered around the Philco every September, as the school year began, to sample the new entertainment choices. NBC plans to announce a 52-week schedule in April, a month before ABC and CBS will unveil their fall lineups at splashy presentations known as upfronts. The decision means that NBC will be committing to a new lineup of shows earlier than any of its competitors, while also inviting advertisers to build marketing plans around specific shows and perhaps to integrate brands and products into the plots of the shows themselves. “We absolutely think this is going to change the industry,” said Michael Pilot, the head of sales for NBC. That was one of the goals cited by Jeff Zucker, the president and chief executive of NBC Universal, in comments he has made recently about how the strike by Hollywood writers could create opportunities to change some of the ways networks do business. The fall television season has been under assault on many fronts, from the many cable channels that introduce new shows whenever they find it convenient, to individual series like ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” that made their debuts in odd months like March. Viewers have already become accustomed to a spring lineup from Fox, for instance, and for fresh slates of reality shows during the summer. But the move by NBC Universal, a property of General Electric and Vivendi, represents a particularly bold stroke by a network with the size and clout to move markets. After it announces a list of programs in April, NBC plans to meet with big advertising clients in several cities, followed by a different sort of presentation in May that will encompass all the NBC Universal properties, including cable channels like Bravo, USA and CNBC. What that event will not include is a special introduction of the fall prime-time schedule, which NBC has held for years in Radio City Music Hall and as its broadcast network competitors still intend to do this year. NBC is looking for a different site for the presentation because the Music Hall is not appropriate for the plans it has for that day. But the day will include an introduction of the yearlong programming plans for the press as well as a party for advertising clients that will include some NBC stars. “We still want to keep some of that sizzle,” Mr. Pilot said. Marc Graboff, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment, said, “This is all about creating a two-way conversation with advertisers.” Senior executives at media agencies greeted the NBC decision with mild to enthusiastic praise. “It’s a step in the right direction,” said Aaron Cohen, executive vice president at Horizon Media in New York. “Something like this was bound to happen.” “I applaud it,” said Charlie Rutman, chief executive for North American operations at MPG in New York, a media agency owned by Havas, because “the idea of a constant stream of new programming is good.” Shari Anne Brill, senior vice president and director for programming at another New York media agency, Carat, described the NBC plan as “a smart idea,” likening it to steps that Fox Broadcasting has tried in the past, announcing several schedules for a season, with new shows coming on the air in September, November and January and in the spring.

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02-20-2008, 04:32 PM	#2
rugbythug Church Eyes. Salty Dog Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,788 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mr. Miller	This is brought about by DVR. No longer does anyone miss there favorite show or just watch TV. It has gone program specific. So you need better content to keep veiwers. Thanks TIVO. Even though I don't use you anymore you were the one who started it all. I miss the sounds.

02-20-2008, 04:39 PM	#3
broncosteven The Kranz Dictum MWA: Flight Director Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tranquility Base Posts: 29,060 Adopt-a-Bronco: MONEYBALL #38	I miss Battle of the network stars in the summers. Or the show where the network stars are in the circus.

02-20-2008, 11:00 PM	#4
TexanBob Don't Argue With Me You Know I'm Right Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 5,023 Adopt-a-Bronco: Darris Nash	Isn't NBC in last place in the ratings? This smells of desperation.

02-20-2008, 11:06 PM	#5
Dagmar ...there ain't no devil ..there's just God when he's drunk. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Morrison Posts: 17,132 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tim Tebow	I'm sure they'll find a way to accomodate this change into their couch potato fat arsed lives... (being controversial for no reason)

02-20-2008, 11:21 PM	#6
Killericon YES A DT!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: From Calgary, in Halifax for School Posts: 7,730 Adopt-a-Bronco: watermock	Must be Jack Donagee's idea.

02-20-2008, 11:27 PM	#7
TDmvp Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 8,054	i wouldnt know what to do without Tivo , I'm so used to having it sometimes just in normal life i see something cool and my brain is all back that up i wana see that again

02-20-2008, 11:52 PM	#9
broncocalijohn Famer of Rings My Dog Richard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lake Forest, Orange County, Calif. Posts: 18,476 Adopt-a-Bronco: Simon Fletcher	Foneco you NBC! I like having my summers free of whatever I want to do and not worry if I miss The Office or Earl. I dont have DVR thank you. We are still on the vcr tape and screw those that have abandon the tape.

02-21-2008, 12:14 AM	#10
Rausch 2.0 Angry Drunken German Angry Drunken German Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Jefferson City, Mo. Posts: 611 Adopt-a-Bronco: McD	I think a lot of it is a response to full seasons of hit shows going on DVD with the extras and whatnot. Why sit through a repeat of LOST every other week when I can just wait 4 months and the full season is out WITH extras and without commercials? I've discovered Rescue Me that way and now I'm addicted.

02-21-2008, 12:48 AM	#11
Los Broncos Ring of farmers Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Anaheim Hills, Santa Ana Mountains CA Posts: 18,766 Adopt-a-Bronco: Ryan Clady	Meanwhile, im still watching reruns of Seinfeld.

02-21-2008, 01:09 AM	#15
Hogan11 Rock-N-Roll Historian Let's take these SOB's out!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: W.NY.B.C. Posts: 21,300 Adopt-a-Bronco: Floyd Little	I just want USA to put the first season of Burn Notice on DVD. I see the second season is starting up in April.....very cool.

02-21-2008, 01:09 AM	#16
Popps TEAM FIRST. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 29,786	Good thread. The industry is definitely shifting. Some of it on their own doing, some of it forced on them by a ton of external forces ranging from reality TV to Tivo. Interesting that the article mentioned the Upfronts. Those actually may be a thing of the past soon, too. The network I work for told us we would be doing them this year, but gave us not so subtle hints that this might be the last. After that, we'd likely pitch to our advertisers in smaller, more personal settings. There's no question a year-round lineup makes the most sense. It'll be more trying on the networks themselves, but should lead to increased revenues. I'm fine with it. It'll keep us working more, and I believe ultimately lead to better programming choices for people. TV really is going to change. The next decade will be very interesting.

02-21-2008, 07:28 AM	#18
Bronco_Beerslug Angling in the Deep Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Texas Riviera, Southern Mountains Posts: 24,281	People actually still watch network TV commercials, uh I mean shows?

02-21-2008, 09:41 AM	#19
ElwayMD It Stinks! Meet the New Boss... Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 2,509 Adopt-a-Bronco: Sammy Winder	The next step in all of this may turn into having our regular television networks turning into TV on demand. You have a listing of shows to pick from and through your box you can d/l a certain number of shows that you wish to watch with commercials included. You can already do it via the internet so why not just make it available from your cable box as well. Advertisers are already trying to find ways to shape the ads you watch by changing the way the cable box works. If they had their way we would have commercials based on our age/sex/location and they are also trying to find ways to see what you buy and then send ads your way based on your purchasing trends.