Pay TV execs feel need to innovate to remain relevant, finds study

Pay TV execs feel need to innovate to remain relevant, finds study

84 per cent expect competition for paid-for video services to increase dramatically.

digital

MUMBAI: With the advent of digital content platforms, pay TV industry across the world is facing stiff competition. The pay TV Innovation Forum report produced by Nagra in association with research firm MTM, found that 90 per cent of executives believe that pay TV providers will have to innovate strongly to remain competitive and relevant.

The research has also found that 84 per cent of pay-TV executives expect competition for paid-for video services to increase dramatically over the next five years. The number of 90 per cent of executives who believe that pay TV providers will have to innovate strongly is 5 per cent up from last year. However, participants are optimistic they can continue to appeal to paying consumer.

Findings of the report are based on extensive regional research conducted in Europe, North America, with a special focus on the United States, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

It has also highlighted that the pay TV (http://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/viewership/india-china-to-provide-50-of-global-pay-tv-subs-by-2023-180411) industry is converging towards a platform-agnostic model and is transitioning into a paid-for-video market spanning a variety of offerings including standalone OTT and direct-to-consumer services. Moreover, 77 per cent of pay-TV executives consider innovation to be one of the top three strategic priorities for the industry.

“Change is the one constant in the global pay-TV industry, driven by numerous pressures from competitors, pirates and subscribers, making it challenging for service providers and content owners to maintain revenue growth,” said NAGRA product marketing senior director Simon Trudelle.

Executives have agreed that piracy remains a major problem. In addition to that, 47 per cent of respondents believe that piracy will lead to greater pressures on the industry over the next five years.

“It is exciting to see a growing number of service providers embarking on the next stage of innovation, encompassing product and service portfolio improvements, alongside advanced technology platforms and new commercial and operating models,” said MTM managing partner Jon Watts said. “By keeping innovation at the core of their strategies and recognising the need to diversify, service providers can continue to compete effectively and grow revenue,” he added.