Can NFTs democratize scheduled TV programming in the Web3 era?

The way we watch TV or other scheduled programming is about to undergo NFTization through a new streaming network that focuses on crypto content with NFTs as its backbone.

Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) leave almost no part of the physical world untouched, from museums and major fashion brands like Gucci adopting the technology to digitize items to musicians breaking archaic song rights distribution methods.

Now, even television — or in a streaming era, other forms of scheduled programming — is taking on NFTs as a means of crowdfunding programs. NFTV is streaming crypto-themed content but using NFTs as the backbone to crowdfund shows while providing viewers with some say in what’s on deck.

Each program has a set of related NFTs, which give creators, rather than giant media houses, the reins of the project, and holders have the chance to contribute content.

Greg Cipes, co-creator of NFTV, spoke with Cointelegraph to discuss the fine line between content democratization and an artist’s vision manifesting true to itself.

Big names in the entertainment industry have joined the NFT craze, including Kim Kardashian, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Matt Damon. When it comes to creative output, many artists have a specific vision for their content, especially industry veterans with a specific style or brand.

When NFTs come into the picture and give the community a say, this can “absolutely” take away from creators, said Cipes, and a fine line must be walked.

Related: The creator economy: How we arrived there, and why we need its Web3 upgrade

He related upcoming NFT-based streaming networks to operating like a pirate ship, with the captain having the final say and all other decisions, such as featured characters, being democratic.

“Everyone has a role, responsibility and accountability to own [and must] lead their respective team with creative freedom.”

Cipes highlighted the added utility of NFTs in a television network setting, with nonfungible tokens functioning as keys to extra network perks, like a subscription membership but with tangible abilities and ownership aspects.

“Content is a great way to connect the concept of NFTs with a utility like entertainment.”

NFTV will have content related to popular themes in the crypto community such as the Bored Ape Yacht Club and an NFT-world cartoon, among others.

One barrier is an accurate understanding of how NFT democratization works, even from those within the crypto space. Cipes says with this project and others, hands-on involvement helps increase overall understanding of technology.

“People get projects more when they’re involved in media they enjoy consuming.”

The crypto community itself also continues to push entertainment and mainstream projects, as they tend to be catalysts for both adoption and education on real-world utility.

On Oct. 18, blockchain solution provider Ripple announced the second wave of $250 million in funding for its creator program to bring in entertainment- and media-focused Web3.