Levin joins an increasing number of broadcasting veterans jumping to Internet concerns for a chance to set the course for a new generation of programming. In another recent example, Yahoo Inc. on Monday said it had hired TV journalist Kevin Sites to file video, audio and written dispatches from nearly three dozen war zones.
Much as radio shock jock Howard Stern plans to move his program to Sirius Satellite Radio at the end of this year, some television producers, deal makers and even on-air personalities are starting to see the Internet emerge as an inviting place to find audiences and advertisers.
"What I love about this so much is it hasn't shown its potential," Levin said. "It's more exciting to me to be at a place where I can at least attempt to break some ground than to basically follow a set path."
The Web's role as a broadcast medium where TV veterans can put their skills to use is still in its early days of development. Hollywood talent agencies have deal makers assigned specifically to find business opportunities in the video game industry, where the annual revenue rivals box-office receipts. But there are few, if any, focused on developing programming for the Internet, where most revenue is generated by simple text or banner ads.
And seeing how wonderful and high-quality television and motion pictures are today, I can't help but feel all warm and rosy about the future of Internet content. Time to head to that antiquarian bookstore...
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