The Television Industry
The television industry is in a state of change. Although initially the sole domain of the networks, the advent of cable as a delivery system saw the rise of smaller cable channels which ultimately challenged their older rivals when they began to produce original quality content. The World Wide Web, meanwhile, began a shift in television viewing from an actual devise designed for the medium to computer screens, iPods and smart phones. Thus while a only a few short decades ago television consisted of three networks and a cumbersome television set, television in the Twenty First Century contains a multitude of entertainment choices and numerous means of viewing. Faced with this changing landscape, the industry is now forced to reconsider previous business models and contemplate shrinking audiences and ever-changing modes of distribution. Alterna-tv.com recognizes this fluctuation in the definition of “television” and has developed an ever-growing collection of articles to help navigate the revolution taking place before our eyes and on our screens.
The Future of Television
A Different Kind of 'Television Everywhere' Exploration of the television future advocated by Andrei Jezierski in his book Television Everywhere and how it benefits the networks, content creators and fans.
Even in the Realm of Distribution, Content Is King Just as cable channels needed original programming to distinguish themselves from the competition, the same may hold true for distribution companies.
The History of Cable and the Future of Television Comparison of the early days of the cable industry, as outlined in the book Television in the Multichannel Age, and the current state of online video.
The Hulu Vision for the Future of Television Analysis of the online video provider Hulu, the obstacles it has faced and its potential role in the “future of television” as advocated by CEO Jason Kilar.
Subscription Funding for TV and the Webseries Exploration of the subscription model as a form of funding for television shows like the cult-classic Firefly as well as for webseries productions.
The Television Will Be Revolutionized Book review of The Television Will Be Revolutionized by Amanda Lotz, analyzing her assertions that changes in the industry will result in more creative television content.
Current Changes in the Television Industry
Cable vs. the Internet is Slightly More Complicated As many high profile online companies position themselves to challenge cable’s supremacy, the upcoming battle is more complicated than it may appear.
Cable Channels and Original Programming The recent rise in original programming on cable channels like AMC and FX has proven to be a benefit to the channel, television creators and fans of television.
Mr. Draper Goes to Wall Street AMC has not only forged a reputation for quality programming but embarked on a different path than most cable channels, including spinning off from parent Cablevision.
The Recent Rise of Independent Television Festivals Article examining the latest component of the television revolution, with emphasis on the Los Angeles-based ITVFest as well as the NYTF.
Insiders Offer Thoughts on the Cancellation Process Exploration on the television industry relies on ratings in determining the fate of a series and the factors that play a role in a show’s success or failure.
Thoughts On Television: Past and Present
Lone Star and the Fragmentation of Television Exploration of how the failure of the FOX drama Lone Star, which was cancelled after only two episodes, is a reflection of the fragmented nature of television.
57 Channels (And Nothin' On) Observations on how an increase in television viewing options can make quality programming hard to find, a problem that extends to both television shows and webseries.
TV Tunes and the Soundtrack of a Generation Pittsburgh cabaret actress Christine Laitta has tapped into an entire generation with her TV Tunes Sing-a-Long showcase, a generation raised by television.
Writer's Memoir Serves as an Historical Analysis Book review of Billion-Dollar Kiss by former television scribe Jeffrey Stepakoff and its historical analysis of the television industry from 1988 though 2004.
Are Local Newspaper Television Critics Still Needed? Analysis of the role and need for newspaper television critics during the Internet Age, using Pittsburgh Post-Gazette critic Rob Owen as a focal point.
Television Fans Unite In Support of Striking Writers Article exploring fan campaigns in support of the Writer’s Guild of America during the 2007 strike and their potential impact, if any, on the labor dispute.
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