The recent news that major cable provider Comcast is (subject to Federal government approval)acquiring a 51% interest in NBC Universal, which of course includes the iconic National Broadcasting Company, is a little unsettling.
In addition to the possible ultimate loss of the NBC brand (just like Sears Tower and Marshall Field's) there appears to be a real threat to the position of broadcast TV vs. cable, which of course is Comcast's business. Although NBC for example has a strong news division, its entertainment sector is hurting badly --no more "must see TV" as in the heyday of Seinfeld, Cheers and ER. In fact, most of the highly rated broadcast shows on all 4 major networks are so-called reality shows, generally cheaper to produce and catering to all manner of TV watchers.
Where would broadcast TV be without the likes of the Survivor franchise, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, The Biggest Loser, etc? The latter show incidentally has been plagued by accusations of dangerous weight loss techniques, fake scales, etc. Many other "reality shows" are obviously scripted (how about the various Apprentice programs?).
The scariest (saddest?) phenomenon has been the emergence of a new sub-class of "reality wannabes" ranging from the Hennes of balloon-boy infamy to the Salahis of gate crasher infamy. Michaele Salahi was apparently hoping to land a spot on something called "Real Housewives of Washington DC". BTW, does this mean that all other housewives are unreal? Just asking.
Given the irresistible lure of appearing in front of a TV camera (even looking stupid) for a huge number of Americans, don't expect the latest news (Comcast/NBC) to improve the quality of programs on broadcast TV. Look for scripted dramas, etc. to gradually continue to morph onto cable so that the only person you'll recognize on network TV will be your neighbor.
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Well, TNB, as an employee of a studio that produces programming for both broadcast and cable networks, I can tell you that NBC was dead as soon as they tried to put on Leno every night at 10:00 p.m. With that, their sister studio ceased to have any reason to exist. Essentially, Jeff Zucker gave up on scripted programming altogether...leaving Leno and reality programming on a very thin schedule.
Given the trajectory of new media, cable and broadcast networks, I predict that the difference among them is going to disappear pretty quickly. Then the industry will get REALLY interesting!
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