ABC makes it free
If you can't beat 'em -- join 'em. Television is suffering because of the rise of the Internet -- which, of course, is a more active medium. Several of the networks have been making moves to offer their programming on the Internet -- for a fee. But now ABC is going to start offering some of its prime-time programming for free. This means that "prime-time" as a category is going to become more and more meaningless.

Since I don't watch much television, anyway, I'm not terribly excited about this move -- except for the cultural significance. It is another step toward decentralized media and the further dethroning of the television networks. They are being forced to compete with millions of little guys who are coming up with contributions to the media mix (although most aren't making any money doing it). It is also significant in that it makes first-run American programming readily available in all corners of the world -- for better and worse -- spreading American cultural influence.