Mark Cuban to TV Networks: Start Charging for Content!

[elimarseli]

Why do you think the internet boom game from you moron? It was made by the people for the people to exchange FREE information. I rather pay for Direct Tv/Tivo then pay for something that I can find for free the correct Keywords. You will only pay these people if your not Tech Savvy.

[allgoo19]

It depends on what content we are talking about.

For the entertainment, it's good.

For the news, we'll see nothing but clones of Fox news. Just look at the ratings compare to other networks. Journalism will be dead, rating will be the only deciding factor.

I think news stations should be subsided by the government but no obligation to the gov. Instead, it's contents and activity be monitor by independent organization.

[marniespeaks]

let's charge him for breathing our air

[Ryguy1450]

IDIOT!

[buzzkiller66]

Splintering of markets and declining profit margins are basic indicator of a mature industry. Same pheonomena has been occurring in magazine trade for several years as well. Innovators like Cuban are seeking new biz models versus just going in and butting heads using the same ol' same ol' marketing tactics of yesteryear. He's right about the need for diff network model--- many quality hi-budget shows will be replaced with the cheaper "reality" crap that is worth exactly what we pay for it: $0.

[kevintype]

This is a perfect example of a video that deserves a much better rating than it's getting so far.

I may not agree with everything the speaker is saying. In fact I may not agree with ANYTHING the speaker is saying. But I'm extremely glad ForaTV is keeping me aware of the things these wealthy and powerful people say to each other when they gather to discuss strategies.

[funkalunatic]

Wow, it's like watching a documentary of the 90s.

[GuppyPal]

I kind of wonder where TV and internet will be 10 years from now. I'd rather pay for youtube than cable. Of course I'd rather not pay for either...

[thpt]

There are rooms for both forms of content provision. This is a straw man argument.  Both Google and Salon work, both broadcast TV and Cable are profitable, both free local newspapers and the New Yorker work (for now).

[WriteLite]

I'm assuming that the context is declining ad revenues and ratings.

What I'm curious about is: how much of it is new alternative forms of media, and how much of it are other factors such as shifts in culture and the lousy economy.

I hope it's not too bad, since I enjoy big budget productions such as CSI, Chuck, and the like.

[JakeHenry41KC]

<3 MAVS

[WriteLite]

The thing is, there is already a proven business model for what Mark Cuban is referring to, and it's called cable TV. Network TV and cable TV has coexisted for a long time, so no problems there -- it's broadband Internet that's rocking their boat.

Bottomline: network TV will have to contend with declining audiences and lower advertising revenues. Big budget programs will eventually be a thing of the past. The network which can rationally cut costs wins.

[Newkya]

That's really stupid, the whole point of a newspaper is that it needs to reach as many people as possible... The only thing thats more fail than this guys suggestion, is the people who keep paying for his newspaper, or newspapers in general, why pay for news when you can have it free :P ? ...

[Congest]

He wants me to pay to get my daily dose of government-corporate propaganda? Good luck with that, buddy.

[the2012report]

people suck

[azteksk]

Kick his ass!

[andid]

As soon as you force me to pay, I'll be leaving. <3

[elphenom9]

doosh

[alexmigda]

not payin for your shit

[m0nkeybl1tz]

I think he has a point. I know people want things for free, but as they say, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

"But advertising will pay for it!" you say. Well, as it stands now, online advertising doesn't pay the bills.

[elimarseli]

Well there was for a while ;) I can get news updates in an instant and all I have to do is ignore the ads that are on the side bar.

[sreidmorrow]

The Networks were never developed to provide content that people might find valuable. Would you pay to watch a commercial....would you pay to watch what is fed to you on the Evening News. I think one thing that Edward Bernays and Corporate America overlooked when they were developing "The Great American Scheme" was the reality of "Unplanned Obsolescence".

[yoshi3329]

Gwaff! Me pay?

O.o? I don't think so, believe me, there is gonna be someone whose going to give me what I want for free. I'm glad Mr. Cuban doesn't control TV networks.

[petrino]

yeh...im poor... i dun wanna pay for entertertainment i can get for free...

[TheAncientMind]

The thing is you better have good quality content and new content at a growing pace, otherwise i am not interested in paying for your content.