I think the author is missing the point. The local TV station format is what it is because this is what SELLS. Our programs are subject to the same market forces. We are only free to design the internals.
I thought the point was that you have the freedom, as a programmer, to try whatever you want. Your success is still limited by the market, but you are not limited by needing substantial capital or needing to motivate a large team of people. At least, not at first.
Only if your project is small enough that it doesn't require much more than your spare time. Hire one developer (or quit your job for that matter) and you are taking a $100,000 gamble.
I used to have a boss who would tell me how I had the power to do anything, to change the world, with my magical software-writing abilities. He didn't understand why I wasn't out starting my own business, with no one to tell me what to do. But there is always someone to tell you what to do. Whether it's your employer or your customer (and even that distinction is dubious), whoever has the money makes the rules.
