Re: Vikings upset Karmazin

[Chuckigo@aol.com]

In a message dated 04/24/2000 8:38:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
mamros@MIT.EDU writes:

<< but don't underestimate the
 weight of the CBS name.  >>

Shawn...

    the CBS name to the average person may have some significance, but i have 
to disagree with the thought that the CBS name alone will carry all of the 
weight needed to make an inroad to a new and exciting medium without a 
struggle.  the majority of people who are aware of the legacy and the 
awe-inspiration which accompanies the legendary moniker are those of us who 
are, shall we say, older.   by the time CBS decides to hop on board the 
train, they may have to catch several connecting flights to catch up...
there are more younger people on the net now, using the multiple capabilities 
therein included, such as radio and MP3.  they don't know who Edward R  or Ed 
Sullivan were.  i hate to generalize, but my guess would be that outside of 
bonafide broadcast junkies who are into broadcasting, there are not many who 
will immediately flip on a product because it bears the CBS name.  (Everybody 
Loves Raymond, except 7 out of the top 10 markets?)
  iirc, the same thought was taken for granted by the executives at 20th 
Century Fox when they figured they could flip a switch and send programming 
up to a satellite to millions, nay, billions of potential television viewers. 
 Fox is still fighting for respect and recognition, having jumped on board at 
a time when the proliferation of programming on new and emerging cable 
networks was exploding.  Fox spent years in courts trying to get local cable 
systems to carry their Fox signals in their home markets.  ("...hey, but in 
the meantime, all Shop 'N' Save supermarkets have your free loop antennas 
which will fit right onto the back of your television set!"  ... actual 
Portland marketing campaign )
   CBS could find themselves not quite weilding the clout they might think 
they've enjoyed.  by the time their product is available for the internet 
listener, the listeners, as in any situation, may have already settled for a 
similar product being offered now by a vendor whom the listener may view as 
"very very cool and cutting edge".  (older person translation:  wicked keen!)

- -Chuck (i still say Dynamite!) Igo