Back in the dawn of Youtube I used to watch all The Daily Show I could fit into my over-sized head. I still love watching old episodes of Hockey Night in Canada and I have bookmarked a non youtube site that let's me watch South Park. I can't count HOW many times in University people would download, myself possibly included, episodes of Lost, Family Guy, America's Next Top model.

I'd say TV shows online are BETTER than on regular TV because you can watch them when you want. Hence the amazing popularity of TIVO I would assume since I don't have that service.

Interesting point. It reminds me of the "no serious business person will buy those toy computers that Apple company is maklng" arguments. It is not so surprising considering the author moves in circles where broadcast quality and advertising dollars mean these type of activities (students downloading shows) are not on the "big guys" radar.

I can see clearly that opportunities are missed here simply because online shows are seen as poor quality... "Why would anyone watch these shows when they could simply hire them or purchase some cable time?"