THUNDER BAY – Media – Online video viewing is changing the TV Market. “Streaming of TV shows has generally brought good news for those TV brand names. But there is a possible thorn in the side of TV show makers: Consumers seem to be watching less traditional TV”, according to Wayne Friedman, writing in Media Post. “Consumer research company GfK says 42% of consumers “think more highly” of TV networks that make shows freely available via streaming platforms — up from a 31% level seven years ago”.
Online video viewing
“Also, 27% of those who streaming or downloaded video now say that they “watch a greater number” of shows because of streaming options. That is more than double the 2006 figure of 12%. In addition, 21% say that they spend more time watching TV content, thanks to digital viewing options”.
Television choices changing in Thunder Bay
In Canada, the choices are growing. In Thunder Bay there is traditional satellite television. There is also the new services offered by Tbaytel, which offers Video on Demand, in addition to a selection of channel choices.
Shaw.ca offers a range of television including a large selection of video on demand. “TV just got a little more personal. Enjoy more of your favourite shows on over 100 channels, including Food Network HD, TSN HD, HGTV HD, Sportsnet HD, Sportsnet ONE HD and more,” states Shaw.
Then there is online video. DailyMotion.com, Youtube.com, and streaming services like Netflix.com.
The growing choices are making an impact on traditional television. For young people, streaming video to their smartphones, is the way of watching movies.
“But the downside is that new digital viewing could be eroding traditional TV viewing — the viewing that TV networks sell to advertisers reaping in high-priced, big revenue,” writes Friedman. “GfK says 33% of those surveyed says they watch less “regular” TV. This compares to 24% who say they watch more TV”.
Where do you watch your TV?
David Tice, senior vice president of media and entertainment of GfK, stated: “Traditional ad-supported TV remains the networks’ biggest revenue source — so anything that impinges on that viewing is a concern. While greater time spent with TV content is certainly good news, the notion of ‘digital nickels versus analog dollars’ clearly applies.TV networks’ need to begin to make the underlying value of digital viewers pay off more consistently.”
The research comes from a GfK report, TV’s Digital Connections 2013 — the seventh year it has produced this survey.
Read more: www.mediapost.com
