In an effort to increase viewership and appeal to audiences, every South Park episode, past and present, will be made available for free online. The new initiative from MTV Networks will have the cartoons available as of next year to reach more consumers.
Viacom has begun offering around 13,000 episodes of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart online in October, with episodes dating back to 1999.
Contrary to what one might expect, it actually boosted TV viewership of the show, encouraging MTV to start offering more free videos. Other than South Park, no others have yet been named.
"One does not diminish the other by any stretch of the imagination. That is kind of our hat trick," said MTV Networks Chairman and Chief Executive Judy McGrath.
The South Park clips can be found at SouthParkStudios.com. Don't forget to send out your Christmas Poo to those who appreciate it!
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Increased Online Availability of TV Shows
- The trend of making TV shows available for free online can disrupt traditional broadcasting models and attract wider audiences.
- Boosting TV Viewership Through Online Accessibility
- The strategy of offering TV shows for free online can actually increase viewership on traditional TV platforms, creating new opportunities for advertising and revenue generation.
- Expanding Online Video Libraries
- By adding more TV shows to their online platforms, networks can create a comprehensive video library that caters to the increasing demand for digital entertainment.
Where This Applies
- Broadcasting
- The broadcasting industry can explore innovative ways to make their content available online and capitalize on the growing preference for digital viewing.
- Advertising
- The advertising industry can leverage the increased viewership from online availability to reach larger audiences and create targeted marketing campaigns.
- Online Video Streaming
- Online video streaming platforms can capitalize on the trend of making TV shows available for free online by partnering with networks to expand their content libraries and attract more subscribers.
