New technology, portals making everyone a network programmer

0 Comments | USA TODAY, September, 2006 | by Laura Petrecca

It's increasingly a have-it-your-way world. People create their music playlists via iTunes, design their backpacks at L.L. Bean, even order personal sayings on their M&Ms. And those who want to create their TV schedules are getting their wish. As the 2006-2007 season gets underway, they are getting a range of new tools along with greater availability of DVRs.

"Prime time is becoming my time," says Gordy Abel, VP of marketing for digital-focused agency Carat Fusion. "Back in the day, consumers were very much beholden to the appointment TV that networks created. Now the days of appointment TV are limited." Helping viewers create "my TV": *DVRs. More pay TV providers are promoting video recorders built into their boxes that let viewers create personal "must-see TV" schedules,...