The National Association of Television Programming Executives conference is now less a launching pad for new syndicated hits and more a forum for programmers and content creators to discuss the industry - particularly in light of the digital revolution.

A main concern at NATPE was the difficulty of launching first-run shows into syndications, Ad Age writes, with hit shows already in prime daytime slots and a dearth of potential personality-driven hits. Many at the event apparently think that the best shot at a hit for 2007 belongs to the Fox-distributed "TMZ," based on AOL's popular gossip site.

At a panel featuring execs from AOL, NBC and YouTube, Brightcove CEO Jeremy Allaire said even though more content is syndicated online, there's still resistance from major content providers to frame advertising around it.

Some execs at NATPE also said new technology requires new metrics for determining success. "The metrics are changing because of digital video recorders…so first-run shows are harder to launch, where[as] shows that are 10 years old or older are succeeding," said Mitch Burg, president of the Syndicated Network Television Association.