Like some people in this article, I will be going on an internet blackout at 6 p.m. PT tomorrow night. And if you don’t know why, then I must ask you what cave you’ve been living in for the past six years.
With the rise of VCRs and then DVRs, the networks have been worried about people time-shifting their shows and skipping the ads. But now, people are connected by Facebook and Twitter, and having real-time conversations about shows. So why not start simulcasting the biggest events — like awards shows (as has been done recently) and big finales — in all time zones? Wouldn’t that increase the buzz even more? I know that NBC is full of epic fail when it comes to this, but I can’t think of a better time for ABC to take that kind of risk.
At one point I threatened to start a “Simulcast the LOST finale in all timezones!” campaign. I half-suspected that was why ABC was airing it on a Sunday. But I never had time to do that, so instead, I will avoid my internet tomorrow night, and catch up with everyone on Monday morning. Maybe when the next Big Television Event rolls around, I’ll be able to watch it live with everyone.
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