Shelly Palmer Radio Report – July 3, 2014

After months of debate and speculation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against internet TV service Aereo in a 6-3 decision, effectively killing the service, at least in its current form. Barry Diller, Aereo’s biggest financial backer and one of its most vocal supporters, said the ruling means “it’s over now” for Aereo and that there’s “no Plan B.” The ruling doesn’t directly affect too much of the current TV landscape – Aereo only has about 100,000 subscribers. However, the ruling’s ramifications for the future are much, much greater – especially considering that in three years, more people will watch primetime TV programming online than on broadcast TV. This ruling only delays the inevitable sea change coming to the broadcast world – and helps broadcasters keep their heads in the sand. It’s likely this is the end of the road for Aereo, unless it completely re-works its business model, which doesn’t seem likely. I would hate to think that this ruling inhibits innovation in any way, but only time will tell.