The Internet: Enemy of Newspapers, But the Friend of T.V. (So Far)

Basically, it works like this: people discuss some event or show on Facebook, then they go watch it. The effect is magnified for 'big event' programs like the Olympics, which in fact may partly account for why Olympic ratings are up during this Olympiad, despite the substantial increase in channels available to Americans since the last winter Olympics.

Conversely, the 'water-color chat' has not, at least so far, had the same effect on newspaper sales: one doesn't see people on Facebook chatting about an event, then running out and buying a newspaper, or buying one the next day, etc.

Sector Analysis: Of course, the above is just anecdotal evidence, not a rigorous, systematic study, but the theory is plausible. The Times' article also mentioned the U.S. recession's impact on television viewing (more budget-conscious Americans obtaining lower-cost entertainment at home, as opposed going to see a movie or to dine out), and one suspects this has helped boost the 2010 Olympics' ratings, as well. For now, it appears the internet is the friend of television, and if that postulate holds, that means they'll be at least two mediums in existence as the internet age progresses.