iTunes Credited with Boosting Primetime Ratings

grandgator writes "TV Week reports on NBC's claims that iTunes downloads are boosting ratings for their primetime shows. Citing one example 'NBC's "The Office" delivered a 5.1-its highest ratings ever-last Thursday among adults 18 to 49, a bump the network credits in large part to the show's popularity as an iPod download. Such a connection between podcast success and broadcast ratings success is particularly significant because the NBC data is among the first available evidence of what network executives have been gambling on when striking their new media deals-that the new video platforms are additive because they provide more entry points into a show for consumers.'"

Comments

That can't be right

[wheany]

The article must mean that the ratings have declined due to rampant piracy. Why would anyone watch something off the tv if they can pirate it from the iTunes online store.

Re:That can't be right

[jurt1235]

Yes, that was the alternative news message from the RIAA which had warned NBC for this kind of mishap. If people get a chance to review your products at their own leisure instead of in a by the RIAA dictated way, everything goes wrong. This week you think you "sell" more, but next week it is all over. Pirates will take over your channel, and you will go broke. NBC be warned, stop this while you still can, and put your other broadcasts behind DRM. People are tivoing them!

Obvious

[Anonymous Coward]

*Gasp* *Shock* *Horror* Do you really mean that if you give the viewers what they want, they will be happy? No way, I don't believe you!

It's obvious!

[heatdeath]

Before, I had to watch TV for free on that terrifying screen that was so easy on my eyes. Now I can pay money to watch it on a tiny screen that I have to hold in a viewable position for 40 consecutive minutes.

No wonder video iPods are such a hit.

You hear that Bluth family!

[toupsie]

Get Arrested Development in the iTunes store! I am sure George Michael can figure out how to rip episodes and upload them. He's a smart kid. Otherwise, Fox is going to cancel your show and you will be listening to "Christmas Time Is Here" all the time.

I am so sick of Fox being the network where great shows go to die.

Re:You hear that Bluth family!

[TCQuad]

I am sure George Michael can figure out how to rip episodes and upload them.

Yeah, but then every episode would start off with that time he filmed himself having a mock light-saber battle in the garage.

Downloading is a hit!

[digitaldc]

"Citing one example 'NBC's "The Office" delivered a 5.1-its highest ratings ever-last Thursday among adults 18 to 49, a bump the network credits in large part to the show's popularity as an iPod download."

I would also like to give credit to Steve Carrell's wife for making this iTunes download so popular.

Re:Huh?

[Carthag]

Obviously bittorrent users are not interested in watching the show, they simply download them to stick it to the man. Good point, though :)

Re:If Only...

[Placebo Messiah]

What are you talking about?

"very specific"

did you even read the definition of a podcast? What's your reply got to do with my post or the parent?
Are you confused about podcasts of video content?

Are you trying to turn this into some kind of fruity catfight about the semantics of a podcast?

enthrall me with your acumen