Very interesting report for a few reasons: 1) It indicates that the net (not quite the blogosphere in Japanese case) is influencing the main stream media not in terms of agenda setting, but via boycotting of a kind, and having some demonstration. 2) It is implied that the newspapers are vlunerable, even to the extent that this incident might be the beginning of the end. 3) This conflict, like many others before, seems to present the same characteristics. The net is both common-sensical in its core judgment and way too rude in carrying out actions to protest against it. The media is both lacking common sense and critical of the anonymity and rudeness of the Net, and is framing the Net users as vocal minority. It seems that the general lesson from these incidents is to trust the judgment of the Net, and not be swayed by the method the Net users use.

Eco-system approach being tested..

Two big implications: 1) Nielsen might face a significant challenge. 2) Cable, with their set-top box might end up with being a very attractive venue for advertisers, as much as Google's "measurable" advertisement deals are. Who think that Google AdWords fare better than cable ads here? For one thing, Google's algorithm has often been criticized for its lack of transparency. Their over-automated customer service system is also may or may not be working well. Is cable worse than that? I don't think so.

An FCC proceeding on this? Wow.. But that would probably mean another regulation on broadcast (over the air) TV that cable and satellite do not have to abide by.. is that really okay?

The problem I see though, is featuring of programs and events that a network or its parent company has some financial stake in. That could be done in a program without really using some "placement" technique. What to do with it? Sometimes it comes from the fact that those programs and events are easier to feature because the people related to them are more cooperative, there is some existing interpersonal network, etc.

It is a standard practice in Japan. It seems like it still feels something new in the U.S. I recall CNET's Buzz Out Loud picked up the story recently.