It’s really hard to make a prediction of the future in our very fast changing world. But looking at the TV Industry, maybe influenced by my always present sports goggles, I dare to make the following statement.
In 5 years’ time, sports will be the only content to be watched LIVE.
People are already changing their “TV watching behaviour”. This will move on. Getting more information every day will make us feel busier than ever before. So people want to consume their content when they are ready for it.
In this, sports will be the only exception. You don’t want to miss the goal of your favourite team LIVE. All other content can have a bit of delay, but not for sports. Hearing the neighbours already screaming, your phone beeping, will never be acceptable.
Broadcasters and cable companies are facing a big challenge to keep the viewers watching their regular broadcasts. News programmes, big LIVE shows and interactive programs will hold on for a longer period. But they will also have to face the new way of TV consumption of the next generation viewers. Only with good innovations that will bring up the need of watching LIVE, they can succeed. Sports content creates this need by itself.
A Champions League final will never be watched in its full length on a rerun the day after the match. This will only happen if you lock up a fan without a connection to the world.. No other content has that special attraction.
- Henk van Meerkerk, Head of Production, Fox Sports Netherlands
Check out the complete eBook presenting 2020 predictions, and the blog post: