Even the top TV shows today are not pulling in the kind of numbers that the networks used to enjoy. These days, there are so many more options for finding entertainment that TV networks are hard pressed to find ways to bring viewers back. Simply put, the average consumer can easily find other ways to spend their entertainment dollar. Thanks to modern technology, much of this can be found online for free.
While networks, record companies and movie studios struggle with piracy, it is widely acknowledged that it is a war they don’t seem to be winning. Entertainment options are available to anyone with an internet connection, even when there are copyright issues to be considered. People are still willing to take the chance at downloading what they want. Currently, online entertainment options include:
- Comics: This long-running format has gone digital. There are new players in the market, but established entities have made the jump as well.
- TV shows: Networks have started their shows online to broaden their audience. Some have gone as far as creative interactive packages for fans to add extra elements to standard TV offerings.
- Music: Aside from file-sharing sites that earned the wrath of record companies, there are legal downloads aplenty. Fans can now get the latest releases from their favorite artists without leaving home.
- Movies: Whether the choice is watching the movie directly on the website or ordering a DVD, movie buffs will never be short of options. Some companies now offer movies as digital downloads.
So powerful is the Internet as an entertainment medium, that some TVs are now equipped for online connectivity. Online gaming is another activity that is pulling people away from the basic entertainment options. It seems that aside from the variety of options, people appreciate the ability to have a sense of control over their entertainment options.