Wait...Buffy's back?

I was ecstatic to hear that The WB network was launching free ad-supported programs including "Smallville," "Gilmore Girls" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I don't have time to watch television and I definitely can't afford the luxury of owning TIVo, so I watch most of my programs online.

The WB network folded in 2006, but has been brought back to life online. Sites like Hulu.com have given long dead t.v. shows a second life on the Web. In fact, most of The WB programs can be found on other sites.

Why would people go watch shows on WB.com when it is offered on other sites and can be purchased as DVDs or downloads? Why not? Having the shows accessible on the site allows for more traffic and advertising opportunities.

Many of the programs on the WB network is targeted to teens. Teens are more likely to be susceptible to the idea of watching programs online. In fact, most of them are comfortable with it because they have grown up with the Web. It sure beats buying the DVD collection. It is also certainly attractive to teens that the Web does not have the V-chip, so many of them have access to programs they can't have on television.

Moving t.v. programs to the Web is not a bad move. The CW decided to stop free streams of "Gossip Girl," a new teen drama, in order to boost ratings and it wasn't the best strategy. Teens are not going to consume the show only through television. The more ways consumers can reach a product, the more likely success will follow. This also probably restricts possible advertising revenue.

It's all about mixed media. You can't just rely on one medium.