Local Stations and the No-Cable Movement

“Nearly everyone told me that their household currently has a high-speed Internet connection, but no household connection to cable or satellite TV. I suppose I assumed the high-speed Internet connection went hand-in-hand with a cable/satellite subscription, but apparently I was wrong. The general consensus among the group was: “I don’t need cable. Anything I want to watch on TV, I can get on the Internet.”

This is how a new article from Broadcasting & Cable begins, for the most part.

The author reports that 11.4% of the highly desirable 18-34 market now has high-speed Internet, but no cable or satellite service to go with it. Specifically the question isn’t about what a network like NBC is going to do about it — they’re “fine” going forward since people will still watch their shows online — but what your local NBC affiliate will do. The author ponders that this could “eliminate the need for local television stations.”

Of course, the real question is: what does this author think is the need for local TV? Apparently, local TV is just a repeater for some national broadcast. I would argue that Local TV needs to become local again.

Perhaps they will produce more of their own shows like they once did, by starting them fresh or signing up online programming and podcasts that already have audiences. Public radio and TV has shown that locally-produced content can create big brands for their parent stations, be valuable in syndication, and still allow them to own their shows’ online spaces. Hometown programs highlight and break local talent, foster and invigorate local culture, and get people to care about what’s happening in their city, state or region.

The point is that like all things, local television will adapt to fill new needs….and hopefully existing ones that have been left unfulfilled for some time now.