The Big 4 TV networks introduced more new shows than they have since 2004 when they made their upfront presentations to advertisers this week, and it may come as as surprise that one of the main reasons is Netflix, according to Bloomberg.

Demand from subscription services such as Netflix is making spending on new television series less risky, the story says. CBS, Fox, ABC and NBC this week presented 39 new shows for the 2011-12 season, the most since the 2004-05 season, according to data compiled by the news service.

Demand from foreign broadcasters and new revenue sources from pay-TV systems are helping new shows break even earlier, the piece notes. Netflix is also encouraging networks to take chances on new shows, as ABC, CBS and Fox now earn more money from Netflix on older shows than when the programs were first sold in syndication.