Talkback
by Staff -- Multichannel News, 7/6/2009
'Everywhere,’ It’s More of the Same(RE: “Interest Groups Blast 'TV Everywhere’ Plans,” June 25): Since when did the ISPs become content creators? If the revenues generated went to those who actually produced content, that would be a different topic. These are people that are trying to protect their revenue streams in a changing environment. They want to continue with the monopolistic practices of the past.
Mark Stewart, Texas
But You Can’t Get There Without Bandwidth(RE: “Interest Groups Blast 'TV Everywhere’ Plans,” June 27): [Commenter] Mark [Stewart] said, “Since when did the ISPs become content creators?” In order to broadcast live TV, these operators will have to have licenses in place from the content providers (networks). Comcast and AT&T generally do have the licenses in place for their existing cable coverage. The problem I see is the cap of 5 Gb per month on Internet usage. If you run over, they slap you with overage fees that in some cases can be pretty pricey. It’s like taking a cab during rush hour in Manhattan: While you sit in traffic, the meter is ticking. Maybe that’s what they are counting on. Hate to see this as sinister, but the caps were imposed because a few bad apples that thought it was their full-time job to sit at the computer and download huge files clogging the system.
Robert Saltzman
Paddling In the Right Direction(RE: “Canoe Sinks Zone Ad Plan,” June 25): Personally, I don’t believe that Canoe’s first unsuccessful product launch should be viewed as a total loss. These top MSOs are contributing huge resources to further the uniqueness and value of advertising with the cable-TV medium. They will ultimately develop alternative advertising media that will offer relevance and convenience to consumers of media, and greater value for media-buyer platforms. Congratulations for your efforts!
Hal Brauer, Brauer of Hampton Roads, LLC, Hampton Roads, Va.
