The difference is that Channel Seven has paid MGM for the rights to screen the show, and they make up that cost by advertising (remember, folks: when it comes to TV, the shows aren't the product. They're the bait. You are the product, sold to advertisers.) Now, I'll agree that downloaders who like the show are much more likely to actually buy it - but the studios only see downloaders not paying anything, and hence creating the possibility that there will be less of a market for their product.
Personally, I'm astounded that a TV company would pay the money for the rights for a show, and then not screen it at a consistent time to build up a following. But then, what would I know? I'm just a techie ...
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Date: 2008-11-26 07:47 pm (UTC)Personally, I'm astounded that a TV company would pay the money for the rights for a show, and then not screen it at a consistent time to build up a following. But then, what would I know? I'm just a techie ...