[mythtv-users] ATSC3 - Hearst stations turning on encryption

[Gary Buhrmaster]

On Tue, Feb 21, 2023 at 7:40 PM Ian Evans <dheianevans at gmail.com> wrote:

> Agree with you 100% that so much of network programming now looks like the fake shows that would be airing on 30 Rock: "Next week on Cougar Island..."

There is still a variety of various drama/comedy/dramedy
programming on networks and cable channels that is
watched, but none of those shows are likely to be around
in another decade (even The Simpsons is likely to end
before then), so the question is more about what is
next.  And reality shows are far cheaper to produce
(taking advantage of people's desire for their 15 minutes
of fame to perform) than scripted TV which has tended to
make a profit not when initially broadcast on network TV
but only if it can be later sold into syndication, which used
to be good enough, but now not so much (content creators
want to be paid more upfront, as many shows will not
make it into syndication, and the studios are less willing
to take a loss today to possibly make money tomorrow).
It does not help that the demand for scripted TV from the
deep pocketed (Apple, Netflix, Amazon, HBO, etc.) have
driven up the costs of production of scripted TV across
the board dramatically, and with their money, and offers
of artistic freedom, attracted a lot of the top talent.

The death of network TV has been predicted regularly,
and mostly been wrong.  “It's tough to make predictions,
especially about the future".