TV is Dead

There I said it. I have wanted to say it for a while now, but for some reason I resisted the urge since, well, since it seems to be so proven. Don't get me wrong TV is not dead in the sense that it will cease to deliver moving pictures , but I really think it is dead as a advertising format unless you need to reach a large, fragmented audience , have a compelling offer or money to burn.


We can play a game of pick the reason but suffice to say it is a convergence of many things that has lead to the demise. The Internet, broadband penetration, video online, DVRs, Gen-X having kids and being busy, Gen Y not caring, you get the point. I thought the political season contributed to the wane of script based shows, but I think it is actually more lasting. The shows are not that good and no network has the patience to give a show like Cheers three years to find its footing and audience anymore. Further proof here and here.

Webisodes. It sounds like The Graduate and "plastics." But that is where we are.

So where does leave the marketer? I bet you know where I am going? Online. It's smarter, cheaper (generally) and measurable.


Other coverage here, here and here.