Business Insider reports that "Facebook has kicked its push for TV-like shows into high gear and is aiming to premiere its slate of programming in mid-June ... Facebook plans to have about two dozen shows for this initial push and has greenlit multiple shows for production, according to people familiar with the discussions. They said the social network had been looking for shows in two distinct tiers: a marquee tier for a few longer, big-budget shows that would feel at home on TV, and a lower tier for shorter, less expensive shows of about five to 10 minutes that would refresh every 24 hours."
This move would reflect a strategic shift for Facebook because it would require a more pro-active role for the company in creating content, rather than just depending on user contributions. But, the story says, "Facebook sees high-quality, scripted video as an important feature to retain users, particularly a younger demographic that is increasingly flocking to rival Snapchat, as well as a means to rake in brand advertising dollars traditionally reserved for traditional TV."
It also ratchets up the competition for original programming that not that long ago existed only among a few networks, but now extends to a wide swath of cable and online entities.
This move would reflect a strategic shift for Facebook because it would require a more pro-active role for the company in creating content, rather than just depending on user contributions. But, the story says, "Facebook sees high-quality, scripted video as an important feature to retain users, particularly a younger demographic that is increasingly flocking to rival Snapchat, as well as a means to rake in brand advertising dollars traditionally reserved for traditional TV."
It also ratchets up the competition for original programming that not that long ago existed only among a few networks, but now extends to a wide swath of cable and online entities.
- KC's View:
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And, it continues to make the broader case for why private label - whether it is food or a TV show - is incredibly important for any company that wants to build a brand and establish an enduring relationship with consumers/viewers.
I, for one, love the idea of Facebook taking more control over content, especially because it has gotten so much criticism for allowing the posting of outright lies and scurrilous commentary. I'm not sure how far Facebook can go in monitoring and curating these comments without violating its essential brand promise, but I think this all is promising. Especially because the more I read about Mark Zuckerberg, the more I am persuaded - and hopeful - that he is a person with a steadily evolving sense of public policy and potentially someone who can play a leadership role in the national dialogue that goes beyond technology.
