Expert: Charlie Stogner - 12/17/2010

Question
Hi Charlie,  I read many of your responses from people who want to know how to start a TV station or cable network.  I understand this is a HUGE undertaking which requires tons of capital, support and equipment.  Being more realistic, I have an idea for a network (similar to QVC, but different content), however I know I need to start in a manageable way.  I have been thinking about launching an internet "channel" with pre-taped segments (like demonstrations) and lots of available products.  Once I have enough demos available, I can consider moving to live streaming of demos, featured products, etc, on the website, etc.  Then could I "shop" this idea around to networks and cable stations to see if I could get picked up for an hour segment, while also having an online presence?  This feels like a more realistic way to get started, but I wanted to check with you.  Also, if I go this route, do you have any recommendations of tips of internet streaming and use of video on a site such as this?  Are there others who are going down a similar path you could point me to?  Thanks in advance!

Answer
Question:
Hi Charlie,  I read many of your responses from people who want to know how to start a TV station or cable network.  I understand this is a HUGE undertaking which requires tons of capital, support and equipment.  Being more realistic, I have an idea for a network (similar to QVC, but different content), however I know I need to start in a manageable way.  I have been thinking about launching an internet "channel" with pre-taped segments (like demonstrations) and lots of available products.

This is very doable and for what I consider remarkably low cost and involves a service that of itself offers a potential revenue stream.

Once I have enough demos available, I can consider moving to live streaming of demos, featured products, etc, on the website, etc.  

This is also very doable and can be implemented within days, again at what I consider a very low cost. In fact, at one of the local ‘leased access’ channels where we air commercial TV, mainly produced and focused on local content, we’ve actually streamed live to the channel via the Internet and have downloaded and played as a live stream, video content from websties.

Then could I "shop" this idea around to networks and cable stations to see if I could get picked up for an hour segment, while also having an online presence?

While I’m doubtful you can get a network or cable site to pay for it or even provide the airtime an no fee, the potential for using low cost time via ‘leased access’ makes this a very viable proposition.

This feels like a more realistic way to get started, but I wanted to check with you.  Also, if I go this route, do you have any recommendations of tips of internet streaming and use of video on a site such as this?  Are there others who are going down a similar path you could point me to?  Thanks in advance!


I think I may have answered your last couple of questions before I read them. Yes, I can recommend a program StogTv uses at our proprietary sites and that we’re now showing our local affiliates how they too can have their own WebTV show with any or all the shows also being on local cable sites.

Hope this helps….Charlie Stogner you can contact me direct at stogtv@gmail.com