Online Viewers Prefer Pro Content

A majority of viewers who watch video outside traditional TV distribution prefer professionally generated content to amateur fodder, according to a recent survey. That, in a nutshell, is why the Writers Guild of America went on strike. They want compensation for the use of their work in new-media applications.

The study by ChoiceStream found that 65 percent of viewers using computers, mobile devices, or digital music players prefer network- and cable-produced shows, news, and sports. Only 39 percent prefer watching user-generated video.

NBC's Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien shows are reportedly set to return on January 2, with or without writers. David Letterman, clearly the class act, is reportedly pursuing an interim agreement that would allow him to return on the same date with his existing writing staff. What will happen to the shows of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert has yet to be announced.

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