Tina Fey – Candidate for the Vice Presidency of Digital Media?
“‘30 Rock is available to be viewed on NBC.com, Hulu.com, iTunes, Verizon phones, United Airlines and occasionally on actual television.”
During her acceptance speech at the 2008 Emmy’s Tina Fey made what was essentially an appeal for more viewers for her critically acclaimed but ratings poor show. This statement represents something more … this is a landmark event in the world of digital media and the revolution that is taking place. Granted Ms. Fey is very intelligent and also a writer and therefore in tune with the business of media. However, when else has ‘talent’ talked about the distribution methods of their work as opposed to thanking someone for ‘opportunity to make such a rich character come alive”.
When you look at the media and entertainment market – the trends are pretty clear:
· Traditional Broadcast Revenue is Shrinking
· Digital Media Revenue is Growing
Some examples:
In addition, Ms. Fey is using her impression of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin to boost rating of not only SNL (up 42% year over year) but also to help 30 Rock heading into the season premiere. Her Palin impression is driving so much traffic to Hulu and nbc.com that according to Solutions Research Group more people have seen the skit on the web than on “actual TV”. That is why I support her as the only candidate for the role of VP of the Digital Media Economy.
So … what does all this mean? Some predictions …
· Tonight’s “SNL Weekend Update Thursdays” leading up to the election will draw record numbers.
· 30 Rock’s already low ratings were slipping as it wrapped up last season. I predict that based on the Emmy wins, Fey’s popularity and the Palin impressions – record numbers turn in to view the season premiere on October 30th.
· Finally … Tina Fey’s popularity will also help CBS’ “The New Adventures of Old Christine” – another critically acclaimed show with low ratings. In her acceptance speech, Fey gave credit to Julia Louis-Dreyfus saying to paraphrase — “when in doubt – I just act like Julia Louis-Dreyfus”. I predict Elaine gets the Emmy next year!
Anyone want to bet a 5 pound lobster on these predictions —- I already have a few “in the bank” from the real elections – want to capitalize on my Digital Media Economy predictions?