NEW CASTLE —
When it comes to integrity in the field of broadcasting, few can challenge the standing of CBS.
Since the days of radio, this organization has stood out in its commitment to tough-minded, serious journalism. From Edward R. Murrow to Walter Cronkite to the current crop of reporters on “60 Minutes,” CBS has built a reputation no entity can match.
But some tarnish has shown up on the so-called “Tiffany Network.” And it comes courtesy of one of its smaller online operations.
CNET is a website that provides all sorts of information related to technology. It reviews new devices, provides access to computer downloads and in general is designed to assist its users navigate today’s world of high-tech wonders.
And it happens to be a subsidiary of CBS.
Last week, at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, CNET had planned to present Hopper with Sling — a creation of Dish Network — with the website’s Best of CES Award. But that didn’t happen, because CBS intervened.
CBS said it exercised rare corporate control over CNET, declaring Hopper could not be considered for the award — because the device is in litigation and because of questions over its legality. It just so happens CBS is raising the legality issues, and is suing Dish over the Hopper.
What’s the problem? The name “Hopper” provides a hint. The device allows Dish television viewers to basically “hop” over commercials. It’s a high-tech version of taping a television program and skipping the ads when you watch it.
Now, it doesn’t take a television programming executive to understand why CBS — and other networks for that matter — are upset with the Hopper. They make their money off commercials. And if the general technology makes it simple for viewers to bypass ads without hassle, that’s probably what they will do.
And if the viewership of commercials drops measurably, networks can expect to see their advertising dollars plummet. That raises all sorts of questions about the future of commercial television and how viewers will receive quality programming without cost under these circumstances.
But I suspect most people who watch TV don’t worry about the future in that regard. They’re just looking for instant gratification.
As for CBS, I think its concerns about the Hopper are well founded. I don’t know how the network’s lawsuit against it will pan out. But the worries behind it are perfectly understandable.
But by interfering with CNET’s award, the network engaged in the sort of censorship it normally would condemn. Better to allow the website to do what it wants, and then respond appropriately.
Columns
Related Photos
-
Mitchel Olszak, Dear Reader
Discussion
Mitchel Olszak: CBS practices censorship to protect its interests
- Columns
-
-
Culinary Conversation: A day in France— or close to it
Here’s some advice: If your spouse packs your lunch, never complain about the contents. I wasn’t actually griping. I just noted that it lacked excitement. The response from spouse was — our kitchen isn’t the Ritz Carlton.
-
John K. Manna: Data shows decline in number of primary voters
Voter participation isn’t what it used to be. That’s nothing new, but there has been a significant drop in voting here in Lawrence County. And it’s happened suddenly, particularly in the so-called “off-year” elections.
-
Dave Ramsey: Avoid college loans if you can
“Dave Says" is a weekly column featuring financial advice from nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. His column is filled with timely, relevant questions and answers taken from actual letters and calls on Ramsey's radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show.”
-
John K. Manna: New legislative districts give advantage to local lawmakers
We finally have a map, and area state legislators have to be gushing with joy. The map, which reshapes state House and Senate districts in Pennsylvania, gained the approval of the state Supreme Court this week.
-
Mitchel Olszak: Toomey takes a chance on guns
How does a conservative Republican senator representing a state with a Democratic majority protect himself politically? One way is to take positions that tend to straddle the nation’s ideological fence.
-
John K. Manna: Shortfall in state tax collections means painful decisions lie ahead
I don’t deny that there are really smart people in Harrisburg who deal with the state’s budget and taxes. But I have to wonder what any of them — including the governor — think when it comes to taxes.
-
Culinary Conversation: Weeding out cupcake recipes
They’re everywhere. They’re everywhere.I’m talking about cupcakes — those individual desserts in their frilly little papers. They don’t require a knife or fork and sometimes the frosting is as delectable as the cake itself.
-
Culinary Conversation: Easy selections lighten up your day
A highlight of my working day is receiving a contribution to Culinary Conversation. Anita Guyton, a Volant shop owner, was kind enough to pass along two recipes she obtained from the back of a can of tomatoes — black bean salsa and cheese grits.
-
John K. Manna: Term limits again considered
Some things just never go away. One of them is the idea to impose term limits on members of Congress. Once a big deal in the 1990s, discussion about imposing term limits has died down to a whisper in recent years. But the idea is apparently not dead.
-
Dave Ramsey: Starting over after divorce
“Dave Says" is a weekly column featuring financial advice from nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. His column is filled with timely, relevant questions and answers taken from actual letters and calls on Ramsey's radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show.”
- More Columns Headlines
-
