PRESS AND NEWS CENTER
August 20, 2015
Live Streaming Services Are Gearing Up for Prime Time
Cord-cutting has been the bane of Pay TV and broadcasters existence, as consumers -- particularly millennials -- move away from live linear TV programming and embrace over-the-top (OTT) services. As interest in live linear programming surges, however, the line between OTT and live broadcasts is blurring.
Traditional broadcast networks like CBS are getting into the act -- and the pressure is on OTT providers to step up their game. Look for content owners, OTT service providers and PayTV companies to jockey for position in this dynamic area by building a more robust menu of live linear and traditional video content. It bodes well for their ongoing – and successful – efforts to earn nominations and win accolades from the major prime time awards like the Emmys.
[subscribe_reminder]Sports Programming Helps Boost Live Linear Value Proposition
Unisphere Research
Interest in live linear programming continues to grow, with OTT services beginning to offer live channels, according to a new survey from Level 3 and Unisphere Research. As the report points out, OTT providers need to continue enticing new prospects to gain market share.
For existing OTT providers, however, offering a video on-demand (VOD) service may not be enough to maintain, much less grow, market share. Recent developments bear out this trend. AMC is among the cable networks to use third-party firms to develop new streaming platforms, according to a report in Bloomberg. AMC hired DramaFever to help develop Shudder, its new horror-themed streaming service.
There have been challenges, however: Showtime’s recent expansion from premium cable channel to streaming service has hit a hitch courtesy of 20th Century Fox, according to a report in Variety. The studio recently sent a letter questioning whether Showtime was within its rights to make available “Homeland,” a series produced by Fox 21 Television Studios, on the streaming service.
Sources:
http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/08/17/mlb-online-live-stream
https://www.nfl.com/gamepass?icampaign=SEOpage_watchlive_GPD
http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/super-bowl-ads-live-stream-cbs-tv-commercials-1201549892/