Attention K-Mart Shoppers: Blue Light Special on Facebook - Page 2
Answer: far fewer people than used to. That’s why you see “hit you over the head” product placement in reality TV (like “The Apprentice” advertising companies, and “The Biggest Loser” pushing “Subway” sandwiches and other specific health food brands.) It’s also why the price of professional sports broadcasts have gone through the roof. Live entertainment where you can’t easily fast forward through commercials is commanding a larger and larger premium because of the increased odds of viewers actually seeing the commercials.
So, why is the K-Mart story interesting? Because it could herald an “all things old will be new again” renaissance of companies producing shows; with those shows now appearing on the internet. That’s the way it was in the 1940’s & 50’s when companies would sponsor TV shows (that’s how “soap operas” got their name.) With “low-cost production” viewing options presenting themselves through the internet, it may become, once again, cost-beneficial for individual companies to sponsor and produce their own programming.
Don’t look for companies to take-over programming: that won’t happen. No company will sponsor something like “Weeds” that glamorizes pot smoking, or “Dexter” that makes a serial killer the star; or other endeavors where controversy could hurt a brand. But look for “comfortable viewing” productions in the future that have a corporate name behind them. And if you don’t think it’s coming, just ask General Motors, Sony, and Intel Corp.; who have all signed-on to produce shows.
So, “stay tuned:” we may be getting closer to the day when our television viewing not only entertains us, but also give us insights into what fabric softener to use and how to relieve that heart-burn that’s keeping you up at night.
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