NBC announced today that it is offering free downloads of its TV shows on their site.

The announcement really comes and represents a sign of the times. I actually hold a lot of respect for the media giant for taking matters into their own hands. Instead of filing laborious and long lasting law suits against online, user generated, video streaming sites (YouTube), NBC has decided if you cant beat em’ join em’.

Attracting users to the NBC site for television show downloads will give the network the flexibility to embed advertising or commercials in the downloads and even more, expose site visitors to their branding and other affiliate programs on the site.

It is a smart formula that feeds both ends of the spectrum. Advertisers are still ensured placement in downloads and viewers have access to their favourite shows ‘on demand’.

written by Beverly Crandon