The television industry is experiencing a period of rapid change, with deals, spinouts, and partnerships reshaping the landscape. While the industry has faced challenges in the past, the current pace of change is particularly notable. CNBC's Future of TV survey asks media insiders and executives to forecast the next three years in TV. The survey reveals a variety of predictions and insights into the future of the industry.
One key prediction is that cable TV subscribers will continue to decline, with some executives suggesting that this trend will continue until sports rights eventually disappear from cable. However, others argue that the industry will find a floor, with some suggesting that the decline will slow down or stabilize. The rise of streaming services and the increasing popularity of bundled streaming services are also expected to continue.
Another prediction is that personalization will become ubiquitous in the TV industry, with networks providing the right content to the right user at the right time. This will likely involve the integration of commerce into TV, with more product placement and frictionless commerce experiences. The industry is also expected to see more day-and-date global releases, with the biggest shows premiering everywhere in the world at the same time.
In terms of government action, there is a possibility that Big Tech companies will face increased scrutiny and regulation. However, others argue that the industry will continue to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, with a focus on aggregating services and providing value to consumers.
One area that is expected to continue to thrive is sports viewership, with live events, news, and sports remaining popular. The industry is also expected to see advancements in language, with content becoming more accessible in different languages. Finally, the industry is likely to see the rise of new services and platforms, with some executives predicting that a service like Starz will gain significant market share.
