DVRs Contribute to Demise of Wall Street Research

DVRs may be another key technology trend putting Wall Street research under pressure. Many big wheel analysts rely heavily on TV commercial breaks to find time to complete their research reports. An hour-long prime time network show has typically provided at least 15-20 minutes of such work time, during which draft reports prepared by associates can be reviewed. Even allowing for loss of up to 50% of this time for non-research-related activities such as discussions with family, this would normally provide enough time to wrap up the work while missing little popular programming. But now DVRs have dramatically reduced the time it takes the analyst to complete his prime time viewing. This now leaves him with precious little opportunity for review of work prior to publication. The DVR's merciless efficiency in dispensing programing sans spots has strained support staff to the breaking point. Analysts with a preference for live sports and news programming may gain an edge.