A potential threat to traditional TV stations
Recently, a rumor that a famous TV variety show host at a Jiangsu TV station jumped to a website has spread widely. Though the TV station refuted the rumor, it is a sign that online variety shows are threatening traditional TV programs.
Though still an emerging trend, compared with traditional TV shows, online ones have advantages. The range of program topics that can be broadcast online is wider, for those screened on TV have stricter limitations from the government, according to a TV producer.
Programs that are produced for the Internet are preferred by young people because they are more closely related to current events and heated discussions. "Producing an online program is much easier and the production process is shorter, which helps us to focus on topics that have happened recently and it attracts more viewers," said an online program producer.
"The government has already limited the amount of time for TV stations to broadcast advertisements, but for online shows, there is no such limitation," said a TV program producer. Now, more and more investors have attached importance to online variety shows and the percentage of advertisement has increased, earning the websites more profits.
"For traditional TV stations, the pressure brought by online shows is increasing. We need to figure out a way to survive," said a TV producer.
Cooperation instead of competition
Though currently the relationship for many website stations and TV stations is still competitive, some TV stations are trying to improve the relationship.
Some local television stations in China are contacting websites for their programs. "If the program is good, why not buy it and broadcast it on TV," said an official from a local TV station.
TV stations like Zhejiang TV, Anhui TV, and Jiangsu TV are also building up their own online platform, which will help them to retain audiences.
"TV stations and online platforms still need time to figure out a proper way to cooperate, but the trend should be cooperation instead of competition," said Gao.
