CBS Drops Moblogic

Stories like this one are what make me cynical.  Moblogic.tv is thoughtful, passionate, opinionated journalism with humility and humor.  It speaks with — not at — a generation sometimes too consumed with itself, and it seeks original stories with meaning and purpose.

CBS Intaractive, which acquired Wallstrip and its production company in May 2007, is no longer supporting the production of Moblogic and, instead, has devoted the talent behind one of the internet’s most respectable shows to another which shares none of its virtues.  Why?  I’m not sure, but I’d guess it’s related to somewhat lagging viewership.

Moblogic launched last March with fevered anticipation and has had a nice run with stories ranging from reckless executions to civil rights to peak oil.  The team behind the show will continue to release new episodes, though less frequently, All Things Digital reports.

I understand CBS’ decision.  The media business is still a business, and the bottom line speaks loudly.  But I’ll never understand how a childish, cliche-laden, thinly-veiled car commercial could possibly garner more interest than discussion of the issues that deeply impact our society, couched with compassion and accessibility.

Host Lindsay Campbell and producers Jeff Marks and Adam Elend are still on contract at CBS.  Marks and Elend are devoting their attention to other CBS productions, and Campbell is reportedly “evaluating other opportunities.”

There is no doubt ample opportunity for such staggering talent, but I hope whatever comes next will not preclude the production of an important conversation starter.