News Summary: TV isn't everywhere yet
News Summary: TV executives cite ads, rights deals as impeding 'TV Everywhere' initiative
Comcast Corp. CEO Brian Roberts gestures as he speaks during The Cable Show 2013 convention in Washington, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. TV was supposed to everywhere by now _on your smartphone, on your tablet. Your favorite shows were supposed to be watchable anytime, anywhere. But four years into the industry's effort network executives speaking at an industry conference this week readily admit: TV isn't everywhere. The promise of "TV Everywhere" has been a key strategy in the pay TV industry's fight to retain customers in the face of challenges from online video providers like Netflix. Yet many rights deals still haven't been worked out. Most importantly, audience ratings firms have been slow to encourage advertisers to make the move to mobile. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
THE PROMISE: With TV Everywhere, customers who pay for packages with hundreds of television channels are supposed to be able to watch them on mobile devices and computers as well for no extra charge.
THE REALITY: Four years into the industry's effort, network executives readily admit: TV isn't everywhere.
WHAT HAPPENED: Many rights deals still haven't been worked out. More important, audience measurement firms have been slow to count viewing on mobile devices, so advertisers have been reluctant to pay as much for commercials on phones and tablets compared with television sets. The result is confusing for customers.
