Protecting Internet Video Clips - Can It Be Done?

A recent trend in viewing habits is showing a totally different way people consume video content. In more cases than not popular news segments or breaking stories will undoubtedly be watch often more on the net then through traditional media channels. Large media conglomerates are in a loss at how exactly to capitalize with this silent most their viewers.

There are two approaches media providers are taking. Their reactions mirror what has been observed in the mp3 battle waged by the RIAA. Likewise some news and media providers think that tightening controls and seeking litigation will undoubtedly be their treatment for this new phenomenon. They will have forgotten that it was already tried and fails. For instance, look at Napster and what it did with mp3s. The RIAA believed that when Napster was stopped their will be forget about illegal sharing of music files. Little did they understand that Napster was just a small glimpse into the future to come. After they realized that suing companies wasn't working they moved to suing individual offenders. The issues keep coming and always will since there is market for online media. The demand won't diminish until it really is replaced by various other channel of supply.

On another hand, we've companies like Apple that recognize the demand and offer a legal outlet to download music. Every year Apple supplies the demand to a large number of media consumers and many people are happy.

These two approaches will undoubtedly be repeated in the online video arena. Some companies will tighten their grip among others will dsicover the shift being an chance of growth. The tighter big media providers squeeze the faster their stock price will fall. Advertising dollars will leave traditional markets and seek the savvy new viewers online. There may also be smart media providers that anticipate the change and can provide media online. Because of this the gap will widen and we'll visit a shift of capacity to those that provided their content more freely.