Streaming Services vs Cable TV: Comparing Ads

Streaming services are starting to feel a lot like cable TV these days, especially when it comes to ads. For example, Comcast recently announced plans to move most of its cable channels, like MSNBC and CNBC, into a separate company while keeping NBC in its original place. This shift reflects the changing landscape of television as traditional cable struggles to keep up with the rise of streaming.

If you’ve ditched cable for streaming, you may have noticed an increase in ads on platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. Some streaming services even offer more commercials at a lower price point to attract subscribers. This trend raises an interesting question – as cable TV adapts to the streaming era, is streaming starting to resemble cable more closely?

To break it all down, NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik and NPR TV critic Eric Deggans weigh in on these changes. Comcast’s decision to separate its cable channels signals a clear shift towards a digital future, leaving only Bravo under their direct control. While this move may not be immediately noticeable to viewers, it reflects the ongoing shift in how we consume television content.

On the other hand, Disney’s CEO recently mentioned steering new subscribers towards the ad-supported tier of Disney+, a surprising shift from the previous focus on ad-free streaming. This move allows companies to maximize revenue by incorporating both subscription fees and advertising income. And with consumer interest in ad-supported plans on the rise, it’s no wonder streaming services are exploring this option.

Looking ahead, it’s likely that we’ll see more changes in both cable and streaming TV. As streaming services evolve, they may adopt a two-revenue system similar to cable, providing both subscription-based and ad-supported options. The lines between cable and streaming are starting to blur, and it’ll be interesting to see how these industries continue to adapt to the ever-changing media landscape.