Comcast Carries Presidential Debates On Demand

In perhaps one of the best uses of on-demand TV, Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) plans to make the three presidential debates and the vice-presidential debate available on its video-on-demand (VoD) system free, the day after their original broadcast.

The initial presidential debate, which aired last Friday in primetime EST, competed in many areas with social events, sports programming, travel and, in some cases, new TV episodes, for viewers. Availability on VoD also enables consumers to re-view the debates if they so choose. Unlike traditional TV, VoD lets viewers fast forward, rewind and/or pause the video as needed.

VoD was first known for providing free and pay-per-view movies to consumers at far lower rates than viewing them in the theater or buying DVDs, but has gained greater notoriety of late for airing new episodes of hit TV series starting the next day, and for weeks after that. The systems are increasingly looking to add an informational element to the mix.

In the greater Boston market, Comcast also offers footage from the Democratic and Republican conventions on demand.

Comcast claims on-demand programming of the 2008 election gives its customers access to more than 30 hours of comprehensive coverage, all in one place.

"With such a close race, Comcast customers benefit from the ability to conveniently research candidates right on their TV with our thorough On Demand coverage of the debates, both conventions and other great related content," said Derek Harrar, general manager and senior vice president, Video Services for Comcast, in prepared comments.

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