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Originally Posted by OLD BOY
Hi, Harry, nice to hear from you.
Instead of criticising the fundamental idea that linear broadcast channels will never diminish and ultimately close, what is needed on here is a well thought through argument from my detractors as to how these channels can continue to operate with a diminishing audience (and therefore, diminishing income). It is not sufficient to say that Internet viewing will not continue to grow, largely at the expense of conventional TV viewing. Even the likes of Sky and ITV understand this impending threat. My question is what happens if it does?
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Linear channels like Sky Sports and ITV won't close. These channels will continue. They will just adapt as they have been to enable viewing on many devices aside the traditional TV and diversifying into owning content. Linear TV channels are not separate entities, they are part of large media companies.
I don't view linear as = cable, satellite or terrestrial broadcasting. I view it as live TV however it's watched. There will always be demand for linear viewing and on-demand viewing.
On-demand viewing has convenience and does not tie you to a TV schedule, location or programming a PVR. But it is sometimes described as a lonely experience when contrasted with the hype, media coverage and live tweets of linear TV
Live viewing is essential for sports and works well for TV series that generate water cooler moments and social media interaction.
Both will continue - BBC has launched on-demand services and it may be that Netflix will launch live channels. It's possible that some linear channels could close down but it's equally possible that their costs will reduce significantly ensuring that they will still be viable. It's impossible to predict anything over more than five years ahead.