@ NATPE 2006: Affiliates Grapple With Tech Challenges By Content Providers, Viewers; One Owner Expec

New challenges for local TV station operators are popping up everywhere. The most dramatic recent example started last October when ABC affiliates found out they no longer would be the only legitimate source of fresh episodes of “Lost” and “Desperate Houswives.” One after another, other networks have followed suit, offering current and library shows on iTunes, Google Video, Yahoo and other venues. Now they’re negotiating for compensation with the networks, according to executives taking part in a panel at NATPE. On another front, ways to watch live local TV out of market are proliferating as are methods of recording video and moving it to portable devices.
On network downloads: Gary Chapman, chairman, president & CEO of LIN TV Corp.: “As we speak, productive discussions are going on with the networks. It’s a give and take.” Pressed by moderator Diane Merimigas for his notion of fair compensation, Chapman said, “Obviously, we’re not going to negotiate on the stage. We want to be a partner and we want to participate.”
Later, he told reporters he wasn’t interested in being a local sales agent — an idea that’s been raised — but that he wants a percentage of the downloads.

– Deb McDermott, president, Young Broadcasting, Inc.: “I think that we all are meeting with our boards right now. Can we work together? รข

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