Networks must adapt to new realities

It occurs to me that the answers to the dilemma posed by piracy of TV programming are included in your article “TV May Be Free but Not That Free” (March 1).

Because a lot of viewers don’t watch commercials anyway, the move toward product placement should be stepped up.

If viewers complain, tough! Real products in a TV program add to that program’s verisimilitude, making it more relatable.

If a British network doesn’t want to lose its audience to piracy, the simple response is to figure out a way to air those “hot” programs on a timely basis. Another option is to offer all new series for downloading at iTunes (or wherever) on a next-day basis.

Networks must understand that they do not have the power they used to have -- their audience has more options than ever before to screen programming at their whim. The sooner that networks adapt, the better for all concerned.

SHELDON A. WIEBE

TV/DVD writer

EclipseMagazine.com

Calgary, Canada