TV Network 'Leaks' Its Own Shows On BitTorrent

from the catch-up-television dept

To be honest, I've never quite understood why TV networks and TV producers were so freaked out about online file sharing. After all, they already made their content free to view via television -- and adding more ways to see that content should only increase the value of the shows. That's especially true for shows that people want to stay up on and not miss. The more ways people can see it, the better, because it keeps them engaged and coming back for more. And, after some initial false starts, we are seeing some of that with things like Hulu. But, unfortunately, Hulu is still quite closed off and limiting (regional limitations, streaming -- rather than downloads, and some content disappears).

Others, however, seem to be grasping the value of making the content more widely available. A reader using the name PCVirus, sends in the news that down in Australia the TV network Nine Network has been leaking full, high quality downloads of the show Underbelly 2 via BitTorrent, right after the show airs. The network folks note that they see it as "catch-up television"; making sure that fans don't miss an episode. Not only that, but they encourage fans to share the show via whatever file sharing system they like. The only questionable thing, though, is the claim that the content will "stop working once the season finishes airing." Not quite sure how that works, but even that seems pretty lame. They're doing that because they're afraid it might cut into DVD sales, but as we've seen over and over again, if you give people a reason to actually buy the physical product, plenty of people will. So, make the DVDs include tons of extras -- and maybe some other types of benefits (opportunity to appear on the show?) and fans will buy.

Filed Under: bittorrent, leaks, tv, underbelly 2
Companies: nine network