Yuhnke Commentary: Can YouTube change the way we watch TV?

PHOENIX - As a television news anchor and reporter, I love TV. It’s my business and I can’t imagine a world without the tube in the living room. It’s always there as an easy one button source for entertainment and information. Today, YouTube announced its intentions to essentially re-launch its “channels” . Is this the future of television?

The idea of Internet TV is not new. In fact, video streaming and playback has been happening on the Internet since the 90’s. The difference now is bandwidth. That refers to the amount of data that can be sent and received on your Internet connection. These days, you can start playing a 720p YouTube video within seconds. That changes everything. Finally, it’s realistic to get high-def content through the Internet almost instantly.

YouTube is taking the step to create new content that will be “broadcast” on its YouTube channels. The big question that remains to be seen is; can YouTube create content compelling enough to make us watch? The verdict is still out on that but the Wall Street Journal reports that they have some big names and big money backing up their new venture.

At this point, it’s clear that the Internet is changing almost everything we do. I’m sure watching television will be included in that. Sure, nothing can replace that nice 55” LCD in the living room but the process of getting video from the provider to the screen will change. For now, I think YouTube and other online services are in the beta stages of figuring out exactly how consumers want their information and entertainment. Sitting in front of a computer isn’t ideal and they haven’t figured out the best way to move that content to our big screens. It will happen and hopefully it will bring with it some amazing new ways to view and interact with national and local news and entertainment. In the meantime, keep that TV guide handy.

What do you think?  How has the Internet changed the way you watch television? Comment here or find me on Facebook and Twitter .