Cheeky satelite TV provider the DISH Network’s digital video recorder now offers viewers the chance to skip ad
breaks for free, but is advertising its services on TV. Known as the ‘Auto Hop’, the promotional push has caused a stir within the television industry. Major producers are concerned over
how they can continue producing high quality shows without income from ad
revenue and the networks are fuming.
In retaliation, News Corporation is
refusing to air any of the Auto Hop ads and the New York Times reports that
other network owners are looking at ways to sue the DISH Network. The chairman
of NBC Broadcasting,Ted Harbert said: “Just because technology gives you the
ability to do something, does that mean you should? Not always.”
Research analysts strongly believe that
this move reflects how scared television companies are of subscribers
abandoning traditional TV in favour of internet-based firms. But, the DISH Network argue that in the long term they are encouraging viewers to watch more
programming as they will become more engaged with the shows. But, who do they think will be funding those shows two years down the line?
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