Top execs see troubled future for TVA poll of high-ranking entertainment industry executives indicated widespread expectations of tough time for the television business when it comes to adjusting to new technology. Digital video recorders (DVR) were seen as the primary challenge. Ernst & Young conducted the poll, according to Hollywood Reporter. Among the execs participating were Viacom's Sumner Redstone, Clear Channel's Lowry Mays, Liberty Media's John Malone, Michael Eisner of Disney, Richard Parsons of Time Warner and others. 23 CEOs, CFOs and investors participated. 71% had a negative impression of the immediate future for broadcast television, primarily because of the commercial-zapping a bility given to consumers who invest in a DVR device. The perceived situation for other industry sectors was not nearly so dire. Recorded music elicited only a 36% negative response, radio only 29% and telecom only 21%. DVRs are not the only concern for TV, according to the study. Another source of concern is the video game industry, which in particular keeps young men in front of the TV but away from the networks.
