Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And then came streaming...:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Exactly..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The original prediction that linear TV channels would reduce in number within five years has not happened.

I don't think anyone disputes that the number of linear channels may be at its peak. The dispute has always been over the timescales.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Amazon to launch its free imdb tv service across Europe later this year

"IMDb’s TV service Freedive is set to be rebranded IMDb TV ahead of European launch later this year, with the service set to triple its content selection in the coming months."

"Amazon-owned IMDb did not disclose a timeline for its European launch plans, just saying the service, which operates as a free channel on Amazon Prime and Fire TV, will be made available in Europe later this year."

https://www.ibc.org/delivery/imdb-re...h/3955.article

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Indeed.

It will take several more years for the old model of doing things to unravel. Currently, the Hollywood companies have deals with each other to share content on each other's services and with broadcasters all over the world. Those deals will take time to run their course and then we'll see what happens next.

If each company keeps its own content on its own services and with the rise of the streamers, it should mean a lot less complicated media landscape in the future as each company turns in on itself and shuts out all the others.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Resulting in many going to the wall or being absorbed by the larger broadcasters.

Britbox is one example that will struggle in my opinion.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

By a less complicated media landscape we mean less competition and less choice?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If you take it to its logical conclusion, the era of the streamers spearheaded by Netflix, is the beginning of the end of national broadcasters.

Netflix is making content in many different languages now. They are truly becoming the world's first tv "channel." And things will go full circle to how they used to be, sort of.

We used to watch only a few tv channels before Sky came along and in the end, the choice will be between half a dozen or so streamers perhaps with some linear channels attached. The difference is that rather than the BBC and ITV getting millions of views each night, it will be Netflix and the streamers. And it won't be millions of viewers, but billions as the entire world watches the same "channels."

---------- Post added at 10:32 ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 ----------

As far as broadcasters/companies go, I believe so. Keep a close eye on our broadcasters. CH5 is already gobbled up by the Americans and I've already given my views about the fate of ITV too.

There'll be "regional" differences, though. In the Indian sub continent, they'll always favour Bollywood and their local services over Hollywood and the Anglo Saxon streamers. Same with China. But where as now, each country each has its own broadcasters, that will all mostly fall to the wayside as the streamers cross borders and the language divide. Many of the world's "minor" languages will go in the end too.

As for choice, as long as you have the money, the choice will be immense. Having access to every tv show and film ever made, instantly available and on any device. If you know where to look, that has already been the case for some time already long before the streamers came along...

The choice will be huge. Or for us poor folks, we'll still have a massive choice, but have to put up with targeted ad infested services instead.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

My biggest gripe with Netflix and Amazon is the fact the bulk of their content is US based so I'm glad we still have the likes of BBC and ITV linear channels and their respective catch up services.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The launch of new streaming services next year may see the start of that decline.

---------- Post added at 10:58 ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 ----------

British made shows won't disappear when linear channels close down. They will simply be available in another place.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And it may not be the start of any meaningful change - it’s unlikely to reach the threshold where it’s not cost effective to maintain a linear presence.

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The decline already started which is why Sky don't publish their pay tv subs any more. As of the end of last year, there are more streaming subs in the UK than pay tv ones.

As for British tv shows, this is what I'm most nervous about in a streaming world dominated ultimately by what I believe will be the American tech giants.

Take Netflix's Sex Education as a example. I really like the main actors in that and was looking forward to watching that series when it first popped up on the service. I gave up watching after 20 minutes... Although it's meant to be a British tv show, it's almost pure American in everything about it. I couldn't stomach it.

If British tv shows under American ownership means Americanised, then I think that's terrible for our culture going forward in the streaming world. But we'll see. Netflix also made The Crown, the most expensive show ever to date and that looks very British, but I've not seen it yet, so can't comment.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And how many of those streaming subs still watch either terrestrial TV or sub to a pay TV platform I'd say the majority in my opinion.

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And this is the rub. There's almost no reason, for anyone, anywhere in the UK to have to rely on watching actual BBC1. Virgin have iPlayer, Sky have iPlayer, almost every smart television, Apple TV, Chromecast and Fire Stick has iPlayer.

Yet - people sit down and watch linear TV.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/la...19/lod-ratings

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And that will still be the case as far as the eye can see.