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Web Preempts Boob Tube

Millions of viewers stream shows on demand

By Daniel Kibblesmith,  Newser User

Posted Mar 10, 2008 12:00 PM CDT
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(Newser) – If you watch “The Office” or “Ugly Betty” online, you’re among millions of consumers who have forsaken the boob tube. Nielsen recently found that 25% of Internet users had watched TV online in the last three months. “It has become a mainstream behavior in an extraordinarily quick time,” NBC’s research head told the New York Times.

Nielsen found 23% of people aged 35 to 54 had watched online, as had 39% of people 18 to 34. The trend has network execs wringing their hands, because online viewers are worth fewer advertising dollars than traditional fans. "Our challenge is to not end up trading analog dollars for digital pennies,” said NBC Universal’s CEO.

As higher-speed connections become more commonplace in American homes, many are choosing to get their programming directly from the internet, as television takes a backseat.
As higher-speed connections become more commonplace in American homes, many are choosing to get their programming directly from the internet, as television takes a backseat.   (Shutterstock.com)
This promotional photo, released in 2006 by NBC Universal, shows actors John Krasinski as Jim, and Jenna Fischer as Pam in the NBC comedy series The Office. The Office, Ugly Betty and Battlestar Galactica are among the most streamed and downloaded shows, and one of the major sources of conflict...
This promotional photo, released in 2006 by NBC Universal, shows actors John Krasinski as Jim, and Jenna Fischer as Pam in the NBC comedy series "The Office." The Office, Ugly Betty and Battlestar Galactica...   (Associated Press)
A customer boots up the just released Apple TV on display at the Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif., Monday, March 26, 2007. Apple TV is a set-top box that can wirelessly stream or download iTunes videos, podcasts and music from a computer to a television.
A customer boots up the just released Apple TV on display at the Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif., Monday, March 26, 2007. Apple TV is a set-top box that can wirelessly stream or download iTunes videos,...   (Associated Press)
Costco Wholesale Corporation employee Chris Wise makes an adjustent on a high-definition television at the Costco store in Tacoma, Wash. Wednesday, May 30, 2007.
Costco Wholesale Corporation employee Chris Wise makes an adjustent on a high-definition television at the Costco store in Tacoma, Wash. Wednesday, May 30, 2007.   (Associated Press)
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television • NBC • NBC Universal • Ugly Betty • The Office • Nielsen • Internet advertising • online TV • TV advertising

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