Cable Pushes Networks for On Demand Shows

Over the last several years, Cable TV operators have invested billions to launch and promote On Demand programming services. The idea is that viewers can still watch their favorite show if they miss it (or fail to record it) when it first airs.

The new feature, however, has been a small disappointment because the broadcast networks have resisted allowing their shows (such as Fox's 24, pictured) to be available on demand. Their concern: millions of viewers will watch their shows On Demand rather than when they regularly air, which would hurt the Nielsen ratings and advertising revenue.

The bottom line is that this dispute won't be settled until the cable operators and networks reach a financial meeting of the minds. The networks will need assurances that if they lose advertising revenue, it will be made up from On Demand revenues. Until then, the disagreement will continue.

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