Prime Time Television In Trouble?

I recently read an article in the New York Times discussing the face that prime time program viewing has decreased significantly. In mid March, NBC lost about 3 percent of its prime time viewers. Last year around the same time, ABC, CBS and Fox had even higher percentages of decreased viewing. What does this mean for the networks? Will networks soon be extinct because of online television resources such as Netflix and Hulu?

Netflix and Hulu give viewers a chance to watch their favorite TV shows whenever they please. Although there are still some people who like the thrill of watching a Wednesday night show at 9 o clock because the thrill of knowing this is new and no one has seen it yet, a large majority of people would prefer to watch it the next day, perhaps during a lunch break or free time.

Although the major networks might be in a little trouble due to lack of viewership on the television itself, I still believe their time is not over. Networks often hit this trouble spot after daylight savings time. Since at 8 o'clock it is still light outside, people either forget that their favorite show is about to start or they are not in the mood to watch television since it still seems like it is day time. Hmm, maybe prime time television should keep it's hope for the winter seasons.