The Future of Traditional Television

In today's digital world, we are moving ever closer to the day when most people will likely own a single device for all of their television, computing and communication needs (plus, of course, a miniature mobile version of the same) . The time could soon be upon us where we will be able to select all of our television viewing from on-demand services. But if such a thing ever happened, do you think that there would still be a place for traditional, schedule-based, continuity-linked television? Would your average viewer care about the lack of a live, human voice between their programmes, or wouldn't they give a hoot? Would they miss the "Watch what we choose to show you" environment? I don't personally believe that they would, but I also believe that they should. Back when most people had access to only four channels, I don't really remember there ever being any more utterings of "There's nothing on!" than there are today. I think that people have come to expect too much, and that the unbelievable number of channels available today is just wasteful. I do accept that in some cases, the increased number of channels does provide an important service, but in general, we have come to expect the vast array of digital channels to provide us with what the analogue ones no longer do - a diverse range of high quality programming. Sometimes, it is possible for people to have too much choice, as it can hinder people's ability to appreciate what they do have. I also believe that had multi-channel television not come into existance, ITV would not have self-destructed itself in the way that it has as it simply wouldn't have needed to worry about its future as a valued broadcaster.

I can't believe quite how much I sound like some bitter old lady, but I do feel that this is an important topic for discussion. I'm perfectly open to the possibility of having my mind changed by some good arguments, so get cracking!