It has been a year since New Realities began and 7 months since it ended in May. One of the clear points that arose from our discussions was that "Having it your way - when you wanted it" was a given for the new world. This one point came through loud and clear in every meeting. This shift in the relationship is the core idea in the new media.
But so far I have seen nothing in the pipeline from public radio that anyone is working on this.
HBO have got there already. Here is a link to the HBO on Demand service. HBO is there now!!!! Look at the power of this offering - it ties the viewer tightly into the system and is designed to shift the way people watch TV decisively. It changes the relationship. My bet is that by the end of 2007 - all TV will have to have met this challenge.
The Bypass issue is over folks - the direct link to the consumer is a reality.
Time is rushing by and I am starting to get anxious. The new world is clear now and it will be all over the place by 2008. I fear that there is no coming back from behind.
SO WHERE IS PUBLIC RADIO? What of substance will be delivered in early 2007 that will show that Public radio can make the shift to an interactive media?
Please prove my anxiety to be groundless.
Here are some of the features of the HBO on Demand offer. Imagine this for Public radio - fill in the blanks for yourselves.
1. What's on it?
HBO On Demand allows you to choose from over 100 of the best HBO programs, including: HBO original programming, top Hollywood movies, exclusive specials like World Championship Boxing and America Undercover, and of course lots of great kids programming. It's the best of what's currently on HBO, plus episodes of programming from past seasons. New programming is available every Monday, so there is always something different to watch. See What's On for a current schedule.2. How do I use it?
HBO On Demand is easy to use. With a click of a button on your remote control, you can make selections and choices from on-screen menus. If you are an HBO digital subscriber, no extra equipment or installation is required.3. How do I get it?
HBO On Demand is available through your cable operator. You must be an HBO digital subscriber in order to get HBO On Demand. Visit the Get HBO On Demand page for information on how to subscribe.4. How does it work?
It's simple. You use your remote control to make selections and choices from easy-to-use on-screen menus.5. What's the difference between HBO On Demand and Video on Demand?
HBO On Demand is subscription based. The differences between HBO On Demand and most other kinds of video on demand is: 1) with HBO On Demand you get award-winning HBO programs, and 2) HBO On Demand is not pay-per-play; it's all you can watch for a low monthly subscription fee.6. I already have HBO, why would I want HBO On Demand?
If you like HBO, you'll love HBO On Demand. You get the same great programming and more with a whole new level of convenience and control. HBO On Demand allows you to watch what you want, exactly when you want to watch it.7. When will HBO On Demand be coming to my area?
HBO On Demand may already be available in you area. You can check by calling your cable operator or by visiting our Get HBO On Demand page. We are continuously working with all cable operators around the country to make HBO On Demand available everywhere.8. Can I get HBO On Demand if I don't have HBO?
No. HBO On Demand is exclusively for HBO subscribers.
