CBC statement on branded content
The CBC has backed off on doing paid content that looks exactly like their own news reports. The program, called Tandem, will still be launched, but with clear demarcation so the categories can’t easily be mixed up.
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Kate
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david212 04:43 on 2020-12-04 Permalink
There was a couple of recent Freakonomics radio podcasts that raised the idea that traditional television and online advertising is mostly useless as a means of converting dollars into customers. If that’s right, it seems like the only way that this project makes sense is precisely if it doesn’t have that demarcation or whatever, flagging that it’s advertising.
That podcast made a great point: in our world, everyone hates advertising and considers it to be this huge affront to their dignity when they’re confronted with a paid message, but would you really prefer to pay for all the services and information that are now currently free because of advertising? Ie. if the advertising industry collapsed, as one Freakonomics interviewee believes is in the cards, then how would you adjust to paying for email, news, apps, etc.?
Seems like what the CBC tried to do here is the absolutely inevitable future, if we want to keep getting information for free.
su 08:42 on 2020-12-04 Permalink
Great news. Our public broadcaster is acting according to it’s mandate to serve the public interest.
Tim 09:28 on 2020-12-04 Permalink
@david*: CBC is not free. We pay for it as tax payers. I do agree that other OTA channels, which are not state funded, are free.
Raymond Lutz 10:27 on 2020-12-04 Permalink
Oh crap. So we won’t be able to enjoy “intelligently designed multi-platform Branded Content campaigns, anchored in experiences that leave a measurable impression on our audience.” ?
qatzelok 09:23 on 2020-12-05 Permalink
Has anyone ever laughed while watching Schitt’s Creek?
I watched a video of “their funniest lines” and it was as comical as an escalator being repaired.
Tax money for this?
dhomas 10:56 on 2020-12-05 Permalink
I quite liked Schitt’s Creek. I don’t think a video compilation would do it justice if you’ve not watched the show, though. Most of the funny lines are only funny in the context of the characters’ development.
Also, I think Schitt’s Creek turned a profit for the CBC. I’d rather they make money selling content rather than “advertorials”.
qatzelok 12:21 on 2020-12-05 Permalink
I suppose you’re right, dhomas. You have to be used to “watching the show” for the jokes to work. That way, the characters (and the routine of watching) become part of your life.
dhomas 12:34 on 2020-12-05 Permalink
I know I probably shouldn’t feed a known troll, but dude lighten up! Why are you so judge-y about how people get their entertainment?
Kevin 12:35 on 2020-12-05 Permalink
I howled at the rural teen boys shoplifting toner and skin cream—but it’s not a one-liner, it’s the whole damn scene.
PatrickC 15:38 on 2020-12-05 Permalink
Since we’ve moved to the quality of Canadian TV comedy, what’s with all the hype about that supposed “classic”, Slings and Arrows? I’m catching up with it now, and I haven’t laughed yet (though still in season 1).