How the Cable Industry Increased Choice and Quality in Entertainment
A hallmark of the cable industry has been the willingness of providers and TV networks to constantly innovate in order to enhance the quality of entertainment experiences. A recent report quantified the industry’s total economic impact as $450 billion, up $29 billion since 2017. This number includes the infrastructure investments and advanced digital technology needed to introduce new content and services to consumers. These advances drive competition, and provide increased choice, variety, and quality TV content to U.S. households. This commitment to creating and providing choice to consumers
3Q: What’s the Future for TV Networks?
Last month’s Emmy awards showcased all the incredible television from the past year. From shows like Barry, Killing Eve, and Pose to cinema-quality limited series like Chernobyl, Fosse/Verdon, and Sharp Objects, the idea of TV programming has radically transformed over the last decade. Jared Sher, Chief Counsel of Program Network Policy here at NCTA, helps explain what this brave new world means for TV networks as they navigate this thriving and changing industry. How are TV networks working to stay ahead of the curve, amid this “television renaissance”? The key for programmers (TV networks)
Cable TV Continues to Come Out on Top at the Emmys
Last night's 71st Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles was full of several historic "firsts" as beloved shows and talent were recognized for top-notch cinematic programming and powerful storytelling that keep viewers coming back for more. Together with the Creative Arts Emmys, cable networks came away with 61 Emmy wins, which surpassed all broadcast networks and streaming services. HBO took the title for the network with the most awards with a total of 34 out of a record-breaking 137 nominations. In this year's competition, National Geographic came in second for cable networks after HBO with
Viacom and Pluto TV Deliver a Big Win for TV Viewers
Earlier this year, Viacom made a huge move when it acquired Pluto TV, a streaming start up that launched five years ago. To the delight of its viewers, dozens of shows and programs have been added to their TV lineups, and all at no added cost to their subscriptions. Pluto TV is essentially an ad-supported, free-to-consumer streaming service that delivers a wide variety of content categories and channels in a traditional linear TV format. The service now has over 18 million subscribers. As for why the future is bright for TV viewers with this latest venture, Viacom CEO Bob Bakish said in a
Discovery's Shark Week Evolves with New Technology and Jaw-some Views
It's Shark Week, a TV fan favorite and that time of year when viewers and shark seekers galore get to "dive in" with the great creatures that have fascinated people all over the world for centuries. Discovery's 31st edition of the production kicked off yesterday, and viewers are in for a wild ride as the evolving technology behind the annual phenomenon creates a more immersive experience every year. Last summer, NCTA had the pleasure to speak with Discovery about the 30th anniversary of Shark Week. This year, in an interview with NCTA, Discovery Senior Vice President of Production and
Cable Continues to Dominate with 325 Emmy Nominations
The 71st Primetime Emmy nominations were announced earlier this week, and cable programming sure made a statement as the industry came away with a staggering 325 nominations. Cable is the clear front runner, ahead of all streaming and broadcast programming, as it goes into this year's Emmy Awards Show which will air in September. HBO led all networks with the most nominations at 137, as Game of Thrones snagged a whopping 32 of those nominations for its final season, followed by Chernobyl (19) and Barry (17). HBO also came out on top as the major studio with the most nominations. Game of
What Live TV Viewing Habits Say About American Consumers
Today's TV viewers are a mixed bag when it comes to their preferences for watching live TV on their own or in a group, as well as when it comes to what factors influence their decisions to do so, according to a recent Morning Consult poll. With the explosion of digital devices, streaming, and apps, it's easier than ever to pull out a phone or tablet to keep up with the news during work breaks, to catch that big game during the train commute home as the action unfolds in real-time, or to see the latest episode of Pose in the airport lobby before a flight. As the digital era gains momentum, so
Women's World Cup Champs Won Audiences on TV and Online
This year's FIFA Women's World Cup final between the USA and the Netherlands was a thriller, and the USWNT players weren't the only ones walking away with a victory. The TV networks that aired all of the matches experienced viewership highs during the last game, and record-breaking numbers during each stage of the tournament. FOX reached over 14 million viewers and peaked at nearly 19 million during the final match this past Sunday hosted in France, even with the game airing during a holiday weekend and in a non-ideal early time slot due to the time zone difference. The game is now the most
Live TV Still Strong Among American Viewers
It's a pretty good time to be a TV viewer in today's rich and busy media and entertainment marketplace. TV has been completely redefined in every sense of the word. Cable programmers have invested over $430 billion over the past two decades to bring viewers the award-winning shows that they love, and there are more scripted programs today than there ever have been. Technology and fast broadband networks have granted people the flexibility to watch TV whenever, wherever, and however they want. This gives consumers a freedom and convenience that they didn't have before tablets or apps. But the
Smithsonian Channel Brings LGBTQ+ Experiences Out of the Archival Closet
As the cable industry celebrates Pride Month, it’s worth noting that this week marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that shaped the LGBTQ+ movement as it is known today, starting from Christopher Street in New York City and spreading around the country. Stonewall, and the protests that followed, gave rise to the term “Pride,” the rainbow flag, and annual marches in New York City and around the United States. However, while the Stonewall Riots catalyzed change, the event was by no means the beginning of the LGBTQ+ movement. The team at Smithsonian Channel recognized this and set