Current TV , Podcasting and America's Future

Current TV has carved a niche for itself. It has postioned it's programming sails to capture the podcasting winds. By soliciting low-cost podcast production and having viewers participate on what will be shown, it seems fool-proof. Also the real time tabulation of viewing preferences will point to ideas for possible full length productions. Motion picture industry results show that the cost of a production of a motion picture is not recouped in theater presentation. DVD sales and tv broadcasting license fees make the whole venture profitable.

The fact of a small screen preference leave open enormous possibilities. Unknown ensemble actors or internet news bureaus connected by able producer/director podcasters will swamp the motion picture , network broadcasters and newspaper monopolies.

When those monopolies go so will the political agendas that accompanied them. For better or worse America will be less cohesive. Whereas podcasting productions in Britain, France, Italy etc. would still have a basic culture ( including language ) to draw from . America's fragmented and special interest marketes will be catered to in any number of languages. America will suffer even more special interest friction. This dynamic will lead inexorably to less federal-centered power and more state's rights power.