THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION

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Yes, we are in the golden age of television.  Never in the history of television has there been this much original content being produced.  Never in the history of television has there been this many channels and ways to watch content.   As a writer, producer and director, never has there been this many opportunities.  You would think this would be a wonderful thing.  But unfortunately, where there is boom, there will be bust.  It’s time for the industry to take a pause and try to avert a potential disaster that may be lurking.  Let’s remember what happened when banks gave mortgages to everyone. 2008.  Look at what’s currently happening in the energy sector around the world.  It’s cratering.  Supply and demand rules everything, even the film and television industry.  Although it may take some time for this reality to come home to roost for the entertainment industry, it eventually will.  People can’t keep up and consume the amount of new content that is being made and distributed.  So maybe now is a good time for the television industry to take stock of itself.  Instead of quantity, focus on quality.  Hire more writers onto higher quality shows to sustain what works.  Maybe then we can avoid the slowdown I fear.  Or maybe I will be wrong.  I hope the latter is the case.

Salvatore Stabile