Resistance of channels: Television distribution in the multiplatform era

Abstract

Resistance of Channels: Television distribution in the multiplatform era AbstractThis article focuses on distribution of television and, using BBC Three as a case study, provides an in-depth examination of how broadcasters' strategies for packaging and distributing content are being re-considered in response to newly emerging patterns of audience behaviour and demand. It considers the extent to which the role of the broadcast channel -traditionally the main vector via which audiences have enjoyed television contentmay now be threatened by the rise of online rivals and accompanying pressures to adjust to a digital multiplatform environment. Drawing on the experience of BBC Three, the research question it asks is: to what extent is there an economic justification for switching from 'the channel' as the distribution format to an online-only service?The original findings presented are based on analysis of the finances of BBC Three, on evidence gathered through a series of in-depth interviews carried out with senior executives at the BBC, and on analysis of secondary source data and public policy statements and performance reviews. They provide an empirically based contribution to knowledge about how growth of the internet is prompting public service suppliers of media to reconsider and adjust their strategies for distribution of television content and, more generally, to understanding of contemporary strategies for re-invention and survival in the television industry. Keywords:Television distribution; broadcast channels; public service media; multiplatform; digital delivery 3 Resistance of channels: Television distribution in the multiplatform era IntroductionIn the television industry, channels have long been the established and main avenue via which audiences consume television content. However, the advent of digital distribution platforms has significantly affected consumption habits with an ever-growing proportion of time devoted to non-linear viewing, especially amongst the young. Many broadcasters have responded by developing their online presence and placing ever-greater emphasis on digital platforms as the key touch points where audiences can engage with content. Such changes have prompted questions about the longevity of 'the channel': Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently declared that broadcast television is like a horse and 'the horse was good until we had the car' (Hastings, 2014). Are broadcast channels becoming a thing of the past?In 2014, the BBC for the first time in its 92-year history announced the closure of a television channel. Senior management put forward proposals to stop distributing the corporation's youth-oriented service, BBC Three, as a broadcast channel on terrestrial, cable and satellite platforms and instead to reinvent it as an online and iPlayer service from Autumn 2015 onwards. In suggesting that BBC Three will cease as a channel and go online only after 2015, BBC Director of Television Danny Cohen hailed this move as 'transformational for both the BBC's relationship with young audie...

Developing Business Strategy for Local Television Network Into The Digital Broadcasting Competition in Indonesia: A JPM Case Study

“…Hence, it renders local television content voluminous in reach. While more choices in receiving television content, platforms such as terrestrial digital, satellite and cable, are still the preferred choices for audiences (Michalis and Smith, 2016) and will remain good in the future (Doyle, 2016). Uploaded and accessed video content on social media are potential for extra revenue for television station.…”

Ubiquitous learning model based on platforms of multi-screen TV (uLMTV)

“…The understanding and connection with the users is one of the main benefits of the distribution in digital platforms that imply bidirectional connectivity [30].…”

“…and the HbbTV standard [31] as hybrid between TV Broadcast and Broadband promoted in Europe. Different TV suppliers are implementing hybrid solutions [32] like broadcast + IPTV (ex: DVB-T+IPTV), or broadcast + OTT, or IPTV + OTT, or migrating to offer their services via Internet (known as OTT), and migrating towards multiplatform strategies for distribution of content [30]. That is why TVE appears, technically known as multi-channel programming distributors (MVPDs), which cable operators began to use as Comcast to offer an online aggregation of television programming [28].…”

Vidas paralelas de las películas: circuitos estratificados de distribución y consumo

“…Las majors siguen fieles a su viejo modelo sabedoras de que la red es todavía una esperanza más que una realidad, y los canales de televisión se resisten al cambio (Doyle, 2015). Por su parte, los nuevos actores nacidos con Internet distribuyen contenidos pero no tienen capacidad para producir con lo que el valor reside todavía en quien sabe hacer contenidos comerciales y es capaz de distribuirlos.…”