August 31, 2007

The greedy bastards at NBC Universal just attempted to jack up the price of downloaded TV episodes by more than 250% and increase the DRM. Fortunately Apple called them and will stop selling shows from NBC, Bravo, USA, etc. before the new season begins.

I'm not surprised that NBC took the lead on upping prices. It's the network that years ago coerced advertisers into paying a premium for the 18-49 year old demographic. So NBC started raking in more ad dollars despite the fact that its lineup drew lower gross ratings than CBS for example.

Definitely some similarities today. Currently, NBC ranks as the fourth place network. When it's shows are free, most people don't want to watch them. Therefore it makes sense to ratchet up the download prices. Less popular, costs more. Perfect logic--again.

I for one hope that Apple continues to use the iTunes Store to keep the weasels who run most entertainment companies in check. Don't fall for their slick PR about giving consumers choices. All they want is ready access to your bank account.

Remember, we're talking about the same group who found no moral qualms with selling you a song on a 45, then turning around and selling you that same song again on an LP, then selling it to you on a cassette, then a CD and then crying foul when you downloaded an electronic copy from a file-sharing site. Who cares if you paid for it four or more times already?

You can afford a fifth. And while we're at it, why not a yearly subscription? Or better yet, forget flat-rate pricing. Tithing could be a much better way to keep the talent-less entertainment execs in hairpieces and cocaine.