Internet to TV-The Future of Programming?

Next Sunday on the National Geographic Channel, a fascinating thing will take place that just might mark a fundamental change in television programming. At 9pm on May 11th, Nat Geo will broadcast a documentary called "Battle at Kruger". It's a harrowing event that takes place in the African wilderness. The star is a baby buffalo, who is captured first by a lion, then by a crocodile and ultimately survives it all when the entire herd of buffalo comes to his rescue.

OK, exciting enough, but why do I say it will change the TV landscape? Because Battle at Kruger has already been seen globally almost 30 million times. B.A.K is what is known as "User Generated Content". It is a You Tube video that was posted over a year ago and went super nova viral with millions of views.

Recognizing the potential in that popularity, Nat Geo has made a special out of the whole event. I will tune in next Sunday to see how they have expanded a 5 minute Internet video (posted above) into a full TV special. Fascinating stuff and a great time to be alive as we watch the online and offline worlds merge.