TV's Future Is A Confusing Maze for Viewers

TV used to be relatively simple. Fifty years ago, everyone watched the same shows on the same three networks, ABC, NBC and CBS, by default. The delivery system was the TV set itself and an electrical outlet for the plug. There were some great offerings like “Roots” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and countless flops like “BJ and the Bear”.

Now, rhe future of television is a complex landscape, with various trends and changes shaping how we consume content. Let’s explore insights from industry experts:

Legacy TV Decline:

• Peter Chernin, CEO of The North Road Company, predicts that legacy TV will continue to decline. Budgets will be cut, scripted programming will migrate to streaming platforms, and repeats will become more common. However, he believes linear TV will persist, especially due to the core value of sports rights.
• Kevin Mayer, co-CEO of Candle Media, asserts that legacy TV has only a few years left. Entertainment that doesn’t require specific viewing times has already shifted to streaming. Scripted programming on broadcast networks will likely end within the next two or three years. When sports giant ESPN eventually pulls the plug, the traditional TV bundle will effectively be over.
• Barry Diller, chairman of IAC, acknowledges that while linear TV is dying, syndication will linger, albeit diminished. The tail end of these transitions tends to last longer than expected.
• Ann Sarnoff, former Warner Bros. chairwoman and CEO, believes the linear bundle will still exist in three years, but subscriber numbers will continue to decline, and the average viewer age will rise.

The Viewing Experience Transformation:

• The concept of “television” has expanded beyond traditional cable TV. It now encompasses mobile devices, connected screens, and streaming services.
• Accelerating trends include changing business models, IP and cloud workflows, and data-driven analytics. These factors will reshape content creation and redefine how audiences engage with media.

Content Creation and Delivery:

• Digitalization, streaming media, mass content creation, and on-demand access are driving the transformation of television.
• The future will see a blend of traditional linear TV and streaming services, catering to diverse viewer preferences.
• AI and data analytics will play crucial roles in optimizing content delivery and personalization.

In this maze of change, viewers can expect a dynamic mix of old and new, with technology and creativity shaping the way we experience television.