Bye Bye Cable?

Upfront, I’ll admit I use cable for my internet and telephone services. And I’m generally pretty happy with the service, although I wouldn’t mind trimming the cost a bit. Also of note: I don’t have cable television – just don’t want to watch TV that badly.

Now, I seem to be in the minority for a couple of reasons. First, I just don’t watch television. Alright, sometimes I do – if I am traveling, or at someone’s home. But the only TV shows we watch are Sunday kids programming (before we head to church). Secondly, as mentioned, my experience with the cable company has been positive. From what I can tell, that is unusual.

Here’s an article that caught my interest because it suggests that cable television could be a thing of the past, if Apple has any success at all with a subscription TV concept they’ve been shopping around.

Now, I don’t know if Apple will ever get any traction in this space, but being an Apple fan, I hope the company does have a win in the television space. There could be better service, cheaper prices and, oh, I don’t know, a new piece of Apple hardware?

Reaching Gen Y

Here’s a thoughtful, engaging conversation about how to reach Gen Y – what they value, how they relate to the messenger AND the message. Takes about 20 minutes, and the interview begins around the 3:20 mark. The stats alone make it worth your while, although there’s much more here.

Video Killed The Radio?

Radio stations sometimes use video to promote their product. Here are two very different takes on bad video production. Have to agree with the assessment that one is bad on purpose, the other is just plain bad. I’m wondering, did the radio sales team pull off these video productions? Sure seems likely.

Watch, and tell me: Did the video kill the radio station’s image? Which one will “stick” longer with viewers, and why?

When advertising, it is probably best to stay within the area of your expertise, or at least to hire someone better than you to do the creative.

How Many Channels Do You Need?

In this Wall Street Journal article (subscription required to read full article) it was noted that most households access 16 television channels, despite the cable industry average offering of more than 100 channels.The reporter suggests that the cable companies need to reduce the number of channels offered, something along the lines of “less is more.”

The reader comments were telling (and you can see all of them without subscribing) and humorous. Several suggested that the number of channels offered isn’t the problem, rather, it is the quality of those channels — and the high price to access them.

I’ve never paid for cable, and don’t watch TV. But what about you? Leave a comment and tell me:

• How many channels do YOU need?
• And in these days of economic uncertainty, have you considered eliminating “pay TV?”
• If so, in favor of what — free (broadcast) TV, web TV, no TV?

Awkward Interviews

You have wonder why people who made their mark through the media cannot perform better in media interviews. Here’s one “Top 5″ list of worst interviews. It is fascinatingly painful to watch these videos. I’m sure there are others that come to your mind? What would you add to such a list?