CBS Really, Really (No, Really!) Wants You to Think They're Hip
Does the "C" in CBS stand for cheerleader?
The network, which has been very, very bullish on digital media prospects -- especially since Quincy Smith was named president of interactive -- just released another "survey" that reiterates what should be a well-known fact: As the public at large becomes more connected to digital media, the more engaged they become in primetime television programming.
Well, I'm not so sure about the "primetime" part, but we're definitely interested in good content. And while the best content tends to rise from primetime slots, I can't remember the last time I actually watched a primetime show I hadn't Tivo'd.
The survey goes on to state (I won't bore you with their internally-generated numbers) that people are interested in online video and interested in HD content. Of course, given that CBS is already censoring comments on YouTube, I wonder if their interest in HD is just a euphemism for interest in controlling high-quality picture content that won't look good in today's Web-based Flash players. Just a thought. Maybe the "C" stands for "cunning."
One other thing: CBS prez Moonves will be a keynote speaker at this year's CES show. There's a lot of press noise that this is the year that big media is going to take back entertainment from the Web and technology companies. Or, rather, that they're going to take advantage of the disruptions that tech companies ushered in and regain their dominant position as producers and controllers of content. Right now, I can see that happening, but not to the extent the media companies want. If you think otherwise, let me know in the comments.
