[harry_hitch]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Harry, I posted that article to indicate how some industry experts were thinking about this, which does not necessarily mean that I agree with the views expressed. I have not said anywhere that broadcast channels will disappear in the short or medium term. It is the longer term that we are discussing, and honestly, I really cannot see how the existing model will survive unless innovative ways of generating sufficient (alternative) income streams are found.

Well, they are clearly still generating enough money now. I genuinely fail to see how this is going to change in 10 years time.

Yes, if the worst came to the worst, we could have all the existing broadcasters providing their programmes via their own streaming services, but they know that people aren't going to subscribe to them all, and this will restrict the number of people watching. So they are more likely to sell their programmes on to the likes of Netflix or Amazon, so you could end up saving money rather than spending more.

Surely if broadcasters know not everyone would watch their on demand content, (and they could in theory lose money seeings as you think the consumer could save money) why would they risk changing the formula they have now? Also, they already sell their content to Amazon and Netflix, so how is that going to generate any additional revenue in 10 years time, compared to the revenue they have now???

There is a fault in your argument about people recording the TV programmes from linear TV rather than watch OD filled with commercials. If everyone did that, why would the advertisers place their ads with the TV stations in the first place?

It's not really a fault. How many people skip the internet ads as soon as they get a chance? Why would advertisers allow us to that now if its such a big issue on linear TV?

There are sufficient people still religiously watching advertisements at the present time for this not to be a problem. However, I have outlined in this thread why I don't believe that this comfortable situation will continue.

I may well be being incredibly obtuse, but you have not done enough to convince me yet why things will change I am afraid, OB.