With end of strike, networks must find way to stay relevant

Now that the writers' strike is over, we wanted to share with you some insights about the dynamics behind it from Kevin Bromber, CEO of the social Webcasting site NowLive. com.

Since the beginning of the strike, Writers Guild members have used the NowLive.com platform to broadcast a live call-in show three times a week. The show features writers in the studio, as well as reports from the picket lines. 

The mood among the writers "initially was very upbeat on the lines, but as time has gone on... it's starting to grate on them a little bit," says Bromber, who made these comments in January, after the Guild members had to struggle through the holidays without paychecks.

But the financial pain was felt on both sides, which helped motivate both sides to come to a settlement sooner rather than later.

"I think there's hope, it's just going to take time," Bromber told us in January, while the strike was still going on. "With the Golden Globes being canceled, it's starting to have an impact on the producers' side. I think there's motivation on both sides, and they'll get if figured out."

Regarding the underlying issue at the heart of the strike -- how to divide up revenue from new digital media -- Bromber says the writers who've come into NowLive.com's studio "are creative guys, they are excited about the opportunities" stemming from digital.

On the other hand, the studio executives who once had a near-monopoly on how consumers got their news and entertainment are still trying to adapt to the new digital reality.

"Traditional media companies are trying to get their head around the question of 'how  do we stay relevant in the future," he says.

To see another part of this interview, where Bromber tells us where he sees digital media going, click here.