Now even the Times has its own web TV.
That used to be a newspaper but the fate of newspapers is definitely sealed. Between multimedia content and blogs and the fact that will become easier to connect to the Internet from basically anywhere the old style cartaceous papers are rapidly becoming obsolete.
The amazing thing about it all is the speed with which changes are happening, and whoever is not able to adapt to the new technology will soon be a name of the past.
The other major news of the past few days regarding the future of information and entertainment in the UK is this:
Channel 4 is planning to launch a series of VOD channels in the autumn across all major on-demand platforms, including PCs and cable TV. Under the terms of the new agreement, the channel will have the exclusive right to distribute its programmes via its own video-on-demand (VOD) service for 30 days after the programme’s first TV transmission on Channel 4 on a free, pay per view, or subscription package basis. Producers will receive either a share of pay revenue or a ‘royalty’ payment if the service is offered free.
and this
The BBC and Pact have finalised amendments to their existing Terms of Trade agreement - giving BBC audiences enhanced opportunities to view their favourite programmes across all platforms and allowing independent production companies greater freedom to exploit new media rights....
Commercial video-on-demand rights will be available to exploit in the UK for the first time. Independents will also have greater freedom to exploit other new media rights and enjoy an improved share of revenue from commercial exploitation in the UK. In addition the BBC will simplify and streamline its procedures in relation to its holdback policy – making the use of independent programmes in the UK much easier and more straightforward.
See all articles from PACT website
But this autumn seems to be rather busy as we also have:
BT's plans to break into the television market have started to take shape with the announcement of BT Vision. The service will launch in the UK in the autumn, offering a mix of broadband internet access, on-demand internet content such as films, Freeview TV channels and a personal video recorder.
It reminds me of the usual question they ask at job interviews " what will you be doing in 5 years time?"
At the moment, it looks more likely that in five years time I will be, like everybody else, even more hooked on these all-purpose, all-singing, all-dancing machines.
