The Need to ‘Slice, Dice’ Online Content

Wednesday, August 5, 2009, Folio Magazine

For decades there were three major TV networks that tried to be all things to all people. A few new networks appeared in the 1980s. One (FOX) focused on terrestrial broadcasting, but most (like CNN and MTV) were part of the cable TV revolution. In the 1990s, as cable became more available and increased the number of available channels, many more appeared—most focused on specific topics.

The emergence of the Internet accelerated the pace of new channel creation. New networks sprang up almost overnight. Going direct to the consumer became a concrete possibility for content producers. As consumers, we reap the benefit on a daily basis: endless choice and lower prices.

But there is a darker side to this equation. Traditional media companies—broadcasters and print publishers— have to adapt to this new environment.

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