Television users may record abstracts of programs that they desire and program providers may access the recorded program abstracts from time to time so as to provide the program content that matches the requested program. In one embodiment, the user may select a TV program (or movie) that is not currently available and then at a time subsequent thereto that program is made available to the user, either privately, or over the public network. In another embodiment, users of the system may record program requests. Program providers may then access these requests from time to time and provide the requested program, even if the program had not been available at the time the request was initially posted. Prior to delivery of the program content the parties, if desired, may negotiate when and how delivery will occur, how much of the program will be provided, the cost of the program and the responsibilities of each of the parties pertaining to that program. The information abstract of the program may be stored local to the user or at one or more central sites.