• Ad Age, Tuesday, November 21, 2006 11:45 AM

When signing up for cable TV, consumers can expect to choose form several packages, including deluxe networks such as HBO or Showtime that require an additional fare. Now, a new business model is emerging.

It's no secret that many viewers are tuning out ads using TiVo or DVRs, forcing the networks to try all kinds of new distribution models. In some cases, these accompany ad-supported, on-demand full streaming of shows. And though the various models differ, they share some things in common. Almost all the networks are now letting people own ad-free programming forever by selling it over the Web. They are also pushing content on an a la carte or subscription basis, while using various platforms to tease out ad-free portions of shows for free using podcasts.

As the technology gets more sophisticated and the generation that grew up with the Internet, iPods and always-on connections become adults, a day is coming when a lot of TV content will be paid for a la carte and consumed ad-free.

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