Broadcasters and telecommunications companies are facing a seismic shift. The traditional powerhouses of Pay-TV services and over-the-air broadcast television are witnessing a change in viewing as consumers increasingly gravitate towards subscription and ad-supported streaming video. This progressively changes the balance of the importance between traditional and streaming services, even from the same provider. The shift demands a re-evaluation of media supply chains and infrastructures, leading many broadcasters to contemplate a move to the cloud.
MainConcept – Can ad-funded services reinstate the golden age of streaming?
In the early days of streaming, subscription costs were low, and viewers were spoilt for choice by series after endless series of top-quality content – think House of Cards, Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things to name just a few. It was this promise of low costs and a seemingly never-ending stream of top-quality content that helped to entice consumers away from cable TV. The steady growth in subscriber numbers allowed for an unprecedented number of new shows to be ordered, which in turn helped to bolster growth. Many dubbed this the era of Peak TV. Streaming services reached record breaking subscriber numbers in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Netflix reportedly added an extraordinary 36 million subscribers in that period which led it to pass the 200 million mark for the first time.
Josh Arensberg elected new Chair of the IABM Members’ Board
Josh Arensberg was elected Chair of the IABM Members’ Board in July this year. We asked him to share his vision for where he sees IABM – and our industry – heading.
Net Insight – How IP turns the page on sports video production and distribution
The landscape of sports streaming is evolving rapidly. Recent studies show that a staggering 71% of US sports enthusiasts now opt for live viewing, underscoring a significant opportunity for the media industry and rights holders alike. As viewers expand their preferences across platforms like OTT, digital channels, and FAST, the media industry must move forward to cloud-driven production and distribution processes to serve the burgeoning demand for real-time sports content.
DOTSCREEN – Unlocking diversity and efficiency: the benefits of multiple 3rd-party vendors for end-to-end OTT streaming services
In the ever-evolving landscape of media consumption, Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming services have emerged as the new frontier, captivating audiences with a diverse array of content. As the demand for high-quality streaming experiences intensifies, businesses face the crucial decision of either adopting an all-inclusive solution from a single vendor or embracing the intricacies of integrating multiple third-party vendors. While the allure of a “one-stop-shop” solution may seem appealing, a comprehensive evaluation reveals that a multi-vendor approach for developing end-to-end OTT streaming services offers distinct advantages that pave the way for innovation, flexibility, and enhanced user experiences.
Beam Dynamics – Intelligent technology lifecycle management
If you run any but the smallest media business you have hundreds, and probably thousands, of pieces of technical equipment from multiple approved vendors. Not just cameras or servers, but radio microphone transmitters, portable monitors, lipsync testers and lighting stands. The number of individual items quickly spirals.
Oxagile – Agile engineering in OTT: How media and entertainment quickly adapts to changes
Have you thought about how tremendously the media and entertainment industry has changed in the past 20 years? Over-the-top (OTT) platforms and services first appeared in the early 2000s and challenged existing market players to move their business emphasis to online streaming. Netflix was the first game-changer that took the decision to transform traditional cable and satellite TV broadcasting models by offering consumers films and TV series on demand. This shift forced the global expansion of OTT services and the adaptation of traditional TV networks by launching their own OTT platforms. But that’s just a start for ongoing shifts in the industry.
LTN – Creating a roadmap to success in the new digital media era
The media industry is experiencing a paradigm shift. In the digital-first era, competitive advantage is driven by digital strategies. Media companies increasingly leverage IP technology to define new business models and tap into more audiences across over-the-top (OTT), digital, and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms.
In a competitive and fragmented media landscape, media and tech players are aggressively targeting the streaming market to get a piece of the pie. High-value content still differentiates the winners from losers, but that’s not enough. Media organizations need to ensure that their business is future-proofed and that they can make the most value out of their high-profile content to boost their bottom line today and in the future.
Cleared for landing: The smoothest route to linear/digital convergence – Imagine Communications
Traditional linear television has been around for more than 80 years, and in that time audiences have got used to its look and feel. They appreciate a lot of what it gives them: there are values in linear television that appeal.
Programs are shown at appropriate times. There are regulations around the amount of advertising and the way it can be presented.
The linear advertising experience is the result of all those years of striving to deliver for both audiences and advertisers. It is in everyone’s best interests if spots are not repeated too often as audiences will disengage. Choosing the right commercials for the program ensures that audiences are likely to be receptive.
Scheduling and commercial campaign placements have become core skills in running a successful linear channel. We tend to call this superior experience the “broadcast premium.”
But new entrants to the market, like the digital-first providers, now see the broadcast premium as something they aspire to. They want to give audiences the convenience of watching when and where they like, but still with the qualities associated with linear channels.
In simple terms, digital and linear media services are converging. This is an inevitable, inexorable process. But it does throw up three big issues that need to be addressed.
Combining Media Evolution and Revolution – Codemill
Media and entertainment is a well-established industry, with a heritage to be proud of. But maintaining a pivotal role in the consumer landscape for several decades comes with a unique set of challenges. As media and broadcast has evolved from a handful of linear channels through to a multi-platform ecosystem, more content needs to be reformatted and repurposed to reach an increasingly fragmented audience.
