So apparently tonight is the official start of May Sweeps.
You know what that means… some tv show you’re watching is about to have a wedding, a pregnancy, a death, and/or some other cliffhanger that is designed to keep up guessing until next fall, all with the hopes of increasing ratings and ad revenues for the following year.
I’ve enjoyed some of the stunts in the past, and wished others would have done a different plot line (I’m looking at you Grey’s Anatomy), but I must admit that I do fall for the structure and watch my shows, often live, for that final episode before summer.
But something interesting is now happening.
The standard tv season is being rocked by cable tv. Broadcast numbers are down as people watch a bigger variety of shows at different times of year. The cable shows attract a smaller number of viewers, but a more loyal following. A May sweeps doesn’t resonate quite as much.
Still, there is a better argument:
The DVR allows people to watch TV whenever they want. It’s really affects the Nielson ratings.
So why am I writing all of this?
Well, I am a fan of TV (if you’re a regular reader, you’ve seen this). More importantly though, I think the results for TV say something about how we promote our own events and activities.
Are we just saving up for a May Sweeps finale with that one crazy project or event, or are we making sure that each project is worthy of our audience?
Do we only promote on our schedule, or do we find ways to connect with people on their own time like a DVR?
Are we doing a one size fits all (network) style of programming or do we do things for smaller, more specialized audiences (cable)?
Just some food for thought as we continue to serve those around us : )