Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime are now more popular among viewers than traditional TV services such as Sky and Virgin and highlights the changing face on video consumption.
The news sparked a reaction from the UK media regulator Ofcom who said that it would be “would be great to see a British Netflix.”
However, a British Netflix would face many hurdles if it were to become a reality due to the different ownership structures of major British broadcast and production institutions.
Netflix and Chill
Netflix have provided a low cost alternative to traditional TV services that fits in with the busy lifestyles of consumers who value flexibility and choice when watching TV and film.
The ability of Netflix user’s to login and view their favourite shows at their convenience instead of being dictated by a TV schedule lead to the coining of the popular phrase ‘Netflix and Chill’.
Netflix’s success came from the ability to curate a huge selection of films and tv shows relatively cheaply and provide consumers with a choice traditional TV services couldn’t provide. Building on initial curation the launch of Netflix Originals provides original content much to the envy of traditional TV services.
Such a model would be almost impossible for for the main uk TV channels to replicate in their current format and would require a significant shakedown to current infrastructure, including the British TV license.
