Re: The future of television
 

You are denying the inevitable by pointing to what is happening now, even though I have never claimed that there would be any major change in 2021. Furthermore, you continue to ignore what media commentators and those in the business are saying, rubbishing everything that contradicts your alternative vision.

I am, actually, keeping an open mind on this, but I have not read anything that points to a different scenario to the one I have painted. Your reference to ‘Line of Duty’ is utter desperation if that is meant to prove me wrong, which it doesn’t.

I am quite prepared to see the 2035 date slip without wanting to jump over a cliff if the unexpected happens. One crucial factor in that date is the government’s broadband rollout, which has already slipped. Clearly, if that keeps being put back, that will affect my thinking. However, a nice audience figure recorded on linear TV for a popular BBC1 programme cuts no ice with me. That big swing in audience habits for streaming services simply hasn’t happened to the extent that it will change anything yet, but I never said it would.

For someone who dislikes straw man arguments, you certainly like clutching at straws!

Anyway, let’s just sit back and see what happens. Neither of us are in a position to prove anything at this stage.

Re: The future of television
 

That’s quite a journey to

I don’t see how the Line of Duty comparison is either desperate or a straw man.

I’m simply indicating to you that you haven’t fully understood the size or scale of the “problem” that you perceive.

The first being that most of the population are happy to watch linear, catch up/streaming, time shifted broadcasts as and when it suits them. The choice offers far greater flexibility and viewing experiences (e.g. can you safely go onto social media?). You perceive them to be “Neanderthals”.

Well, it’s not the first time I suppose.

Re: The future of television
 

Amazon Prime currently advertising for a "Prime Video Linear TV Senior Product Manager, Technical".

https://www.amazon.jobs/en/jobs/1508...ager-technical

On a related note, from earlier this year

https://www.mediaplaynews.com/netfli...vice-globally/

---------- Post added at 12:49 ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 ----------

Interesting article from a couple of days ago.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90630158...mething-button

…

Re: The future of television
 

Funny that you didn’t include the very next paragraph...

’These options have downsides, though: They’re all supported by ads, and in many cases they don’t let you pause, rewind, or fast-forward whatever’s on.)’.

However, I concede that some apps may contain linear TV channels (Pluto and Now already do in the UK) but my point has always been that the TV channels we have now will disappear. What is the point in having ITV, ITV2, ITV 3, etc, when you can have all of your programming under one app, like the ITV Hub?

As for whether the new linear channels on apps will prove popular, that remains to be seen. The Netflix idea of having linear channels within its app without adverts is probably the best bet. I haven’t met a single person who watches Pluto linear TV.

Re: The future of television
 

I don't think anyone, anywhere, has suggested linear television wouldn't include this in the future.

Dare I say it's a straw man?

What is the point in not having it? Costs next to nothing, it's only replicating existing services on DTT, satellite and cable that remain universally popular. Advertising, and a schedule, is used to hook people onto ITV programming.

If they want to watch the next programme, or explore the app, either is a positive outcome for ITV. You are under the mistaken belief that one of them is negative.

Re: The future of television
 

Because on a streaming service (which is where we will be in the future), there is no point in separating out content by channels. Categories, latest releases and so forth, yes, but not channels, which on a streaming service are pointless.

The popularity of linear TV may be present now, as I keep saying, but habits will change over time.

Re: The future of television
 

Still at a loss as to where such a step ceases to be financially viable and what pushes consumer behaviour over the line.

13 million people OB. A tenth of that isn't an inconsiderable audience to fight over.

Re: The future of television
 

Apparently, it’s possible for both streaming and Linear to grow - it’s not a zero-sum game…

https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021...6-34s-tune-in/

Re: The future of television
 

So maybe I'm being a bit thick here, but if the BBC does as you predict and at some point in the future says bugger it and just has iPlayer what will happen for example to new episodes of EastEnders? Will they just add them as and when in some random fashion or to keep viewers happy will they add an episode every Tuesday at 7:30pm? I would wager there will be some sort of expected day/time for new episode releases which then surely makes it a linear channel doesn't it? Or am I missing something :confused:

Re: The future of television
 

No, it doesn't. Airing new episodes weekly already happens for some programmes on Netflix, Amazon and Disney + for example. The programme simply appears on the designated day. You don't need a traditional linear channel to do that.

Re: The future of television
 

Did it never occur to you that the weekly “drop” of premium content on streaming platforms is their attempt to address an inherent weakness of their distribution method - that it lacks the ability to get large numbers of people discussing their content on social media simultaneously, or at the “water cooler” next day?

For Netflix, which doesn’t have a linear channel, this is the closest they can get to one. Linear channels have that advantage.

Re: The future of television
 

It’s hardly a weakness. The streaming services have always designated a date on which to launch new content.

So on the contrary, it is a strength. If certain content is best released weekly or on certain days of the week (or even a certain time on a designated day) then that’s what they do. And the audience can view it either straight away or at any time at their convenience.

Re: The future of television
 

Doesn't this happen at the moment with many programmes? Watch them on the relevant linear channel at the appointed hour or watch them on the on-demand section at the appointed hour. Most people chose the linear channel as it's easier.

Re: The future of television
 

You are wrong. Most streamed content drops all at once, as a series. A limited number of high-profile, big budget series drop one episode per week.

These are the same sorts of shows that would ‘drop’ weekly in a prime evening slot on broadcast TV. That they reserve some of their premium content for weekly release undermines your argument that streaming, and giving viewers limitless choice and absolute control at all times, is inherently better. In terms of justifying investment in the most expensive programmes, there is a clear need to get a critical mass of simultaneous, or near-simultaneous, viewing, so that word of mouth works to maximum effect to increase ratings.

This is something broadcast TV achieves simply by its nature. It is something a streaming service tries to approximate by undermining the very thing you have always claimed is its principal benefit.

Re: The future of television
 

It’s entirely a weakness. A streaming service can never achieve the levels of social media engagement a linear channel has because it defines exactly when a substantial proportion of viewers will watch.

The best bit, of course, is a linear channel additionally makes the content available on demand. Therefore catering for everyone.