You wouldn’t buy a different TV set for each network, so why aren’t they collaborating on mobile streaming?
Seven has launched its live streaming service and Nine will soon follow suit. But Nic Christensen asks whether the TV networks may be making a mistake not collaborating for the benefit of consumers.
If television was invented today would we have to buy a separate set for each network we wanted to watch?
Maybe they could agree on being on one device but the way things are looking at the moment you’s definitely need different plug-in or channel connector for each one – you know – to help build out and reinforce “the unique advertising ecosystem of the Seven/Nine/Ten/insert name here experience”.
That might sound like hyperbole but in many ways it’s analogous to what the TV networks are doing with the multitude of streaming apps they are making consumers download and what that is doing to the consumer experience.
Sorry Nic but the BBC Global Iplayer doesn’t exist anymore in Australia, it got shut down months ago which is very sad and stupid of them as they’ve also cut off a revenue stream and encourages people to use VPNs.
Personally I like all the choices that are being given to me, I just wish Geo-Blocking would come to an end so I can access and pay for content anywhere in the world and not be discriminated against based on where I live.
Well researched and synthesised piece Nic. I remember when TV started in Oz, and the subsequent technology battles, e,g, VHS and betamax, but “TV” distribution is further evidence of disruption and giant transformations ahead. Nevertheless, the ease and quality of customer service is the focus of your piece in appreciation.
Well put Nic. Despite the best efforts of two CEO’s and chairman cum chief cheerleader Kim Dalton, Freeview has never really been embraced by the networks. More than two years ago I and others pointed to the patent failure of having separate ‘second screen’ apps – most people kept using Facebook or Twitter. We tried to convince them all to create a common VOD platform (with separate front ends, but one access point). They should all now pull out their dog-eared copies of Ken Auletta’s 1992 classic “Three Blind Mice: How the TV Networks Lost Their Way”.
I don’t think the commercials could ever agree on a single catch-up or streaming app. They wouldn’t be able to agree on whose content sat where on the screen as they would all be paranoid one of the other networks was getting better prominence.
Dear csh…The concept was for a common VOD platform with separate “front ends”. Entirely feasible, except that back then they all wanted to build their own “engine”. Two years later and it looks like Seven, Ten and Foxtel will all share Presto. Nine will perverse for a while with Stan, but will have to seriously look at the logistics / economics of a go it alone strategy. The ABC and SBS will gaze at the respective navels for a while yet. Meanwhile Netflix has been let in the door to a fragmented market, which they must love.
ATM the networks are in control via their individual apps. It won’t be long before an EPG based aggregator app appears with “Watch” and “Record” icons. There will a nice long Lawyers Picnic and hopefully, sense will prevail.
You can delete quickflix from your device. That’s 1 gone!