A global trend as seen through my life.

When the writers strike happened in late 07/early 08 it was primarily a result of new media, the new phenomenon that caters to the mindset of “I want my media whenever, where ever.”  Being able to watch tv shows on demand, online, outside of their scheduled time slot was a hard thing for “old media” people to understand, and they paid the price with the strike.

That’s all old news, but it relates to a shift I’ve recently noticed in my own life.  With the exception of big sporting events (the US Open, NBA Finals), I’ve all but stopped watching TV.  Scripted TV is almost as bad as reality TV, and the few shows that are still good enough to watch (Lost, The Office), can be watched online now.

Another TV killer has been my addiction to podcasts and having my eyes opened to revision 3 shows.

My current top 4 podcasts are:

• TWiT- This week in Tech (MP3 Edition) – Leo Laporte and Friends
• Diggnation (HD Quicktime) – Revision 3
• Totally Rad Show (HD Quicktime) – Revision 3
• Dilbert Animated Cartoons

Between those and downloadable Lost and Office episodes, I really have no reason to turn on the TV, and it feels good.  I’ve got a lot more time to think, read, and golf and I’m having a great summer.  Moral of the story: try out some podcasts and back away from the TV, and use the extra free time for something productive.