Less than a decade ago, very few industry analysts predicted that bookstores, newspapers, magazines and video rental stores would so suddenly collapse as the Internet was immediately embraced by the majority of the population. As technology continues to roll forward, many people are calling for the fall of traditional television viewing in favour of digital media consumption. The director of Youtube’s Latin America website, John Farrell, recently set that point at 2020. Only time will tell, but the current climate certainly makes this kind of atmospheric rise possible.
Advantages of the Format
Television has been a tricky business since it first became part of the American household. Measuring accurate viewership numbers takes a large budget and often reveals little useful information. This issue is solved easily when displaying content over the Internet, where analytics are inexpensive, easy to implement and very accurate. This has convinced many of the world’s largest television providers to enter the world of Internet publishing.
Companies like Verizon, Time Warner and Sky have all spent millions to develop content systems that deliver shows and movies to subscribers over the Internet. Each system offers an optional branded tablet device that streams online content, but they also allow desktop and laptop users to connect as well.
Channels
Many of the world’s most popular television channels are also branching out on their own to provide viewers with constant access to their favourite content. Rather than waiting for a channel to show your favourite episode, you can visit the Cartoon Network website or the Discovery Channel Youtube channel to watch clips and full broadcasts. ESPN allows for extra access to live broadcasts for a full year at a time through their website. There’s no need to wait until a re-run comes around once a year just to enjoy a Christmas special or a season finale.
Catering to the Crowd
Some companies are taking their efforts to buy over Internet users to a new level of dedication. The BBC recently decided to add more than 40 hours of new releases to their online library before any of it appears on the television. This kind of early access is an attempt to branch out from beyond the usual audiences that are slowly converting over to online viewing. Subscribers can choose exactly when to enjoy a season premiere, rather than arranging their schedule around the television.
