Internet is the new TV

After several years of fighting P2P networks and trying to prevent online circulation of TV shows, TV networks have started to provide their own offering. They have finally realized that the Internet is not a threat to their revenue, but instead it is a source of a new stream of viewers and revenue. A few networks that have started to offer full episodes online include CBS, NBC. These episodes do include ad-clips - different from the live broadcast version. (However I suspect most people wouldn't mind a couple of ads.) Such an offering may actually reduce the P2P distribution of TV series episodes.

TV shows are different from music and even movies in terms of the online audience. Putting up TV shows on the web helps people who normally wouldn't watch the show because the airing time is inconvenient can now watch it. In addition, there may be viewers who are impressed with what they see and tune in to see it on regular TV. So it might actually lead to increased viewership for a show.