The Internet has had no shortage of public outcry over NBC’s late-night shake up. The viral communication happening over who should host The Tonight Show demonstrates a form of collective expression that is nearing a protest. Previous generations used picketing, petitions, or rioting as forms of expression. Now, we find ourselves able to gather, discuss, and advocate as a group (in this case, disgruntled late-night viewers). We can create Facebook groups, start Twitter trending topics, or set up entire forums strictly devoted to the subject of choice. It’s remarkable the ways in which people can now make their opinions known and shared on such a grand scale regarding essentially anything. But, like the forms of mass expression of yesterday (or quite a few yesterdays), will these new tools produce change?
On a side note, viewership of the soon-to-be-defunct show is up %50 in the last week.
Tags: Conan, Facebook, Riot, TwitterCategories: Business.
I suspect the only reason the viewership is up in the past week is due to people tuning in hoping to see Conan go completely off the deep-end. I can’t believe NBC allowed him to stay on the air after announcing he would be replaced. I suppose it has something to do with contractual obligations and weighing the odds of him potentially acting innappropriately vs. cost of settling with him from a weaker position. I can’t say I’ve watched any of the late night shows in years, but this drama has even grabbed my attention.