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What Next | Daily News and Analysis

TBD | Streaming Is Cable Now

Feb 4, 2024
Alex Cranz, managing editor at the Verge, discusses the increasing number of streaming services and their impact on ad options, rising costs, and the types of shows being made. The podcast explores the challenges faced by streaming services, including content bloat and the impact of ads on show production. It also discusses the potential for collaboration among streaming services and the future of the industry.
30:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The era of affordable, ad-free streaming is ending as streaming services increasingly introduce ads and raise subscription prices, resembling the cable TV model.
  • The streaming industry's shift towards profitability and advertising is resulting in a homogenization of streaming offerings, prioritizing safe and broad content over niche or artistic productions.

Deep dives

The Era of Cheap, Endless, Adless Streaming is Over

When streaming services first emerged, they offered a seemingly endless supply of ad-free, high-quality content at a reasonable price. However, the landscape has dramatically changed. With the proliferation of numerous streaming platforms and the rising cost of subscriptions, customers are finding that the era of affordable, ad-free streaming is coming to an end. Amazon Prime Video recently introduced an ad tier, requiring customers to pay an additional fee or endure ad breaks. This shift towards ads and increasing subscription prices is making streaming services more akin to cable, with customers feeling the pinch in their wallets.

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