Over-the-top (OTT) and streaming services have revolutionized TV consumption, offering on-demand content via the internet. These platforms bypass traditional cable providers, giving viewers flexibility to watch what they want, when they want, on various devices.

The shift to OTT has impacted news consumption, with more people turning to digital platforms for information. News organizations are adapting by creating streaming-specific content and personalizing experiences to compete in the crowded OTT landscape.

Defining OTT and streaming services

• Over-the-top (OTT) refers to the delivery of video content via the internet, bypassing traditional cable or satellite TV providers
• Streaming services are platforms that offer on-demand access to a wide range of video content, including movies, TV shows, and original programming
• OTT and streaming have revolutionized the way people consume television content, offering greater flexibility and choice compared to traditional linear TV

Differences between OTT and traditional TV

Linear vs on-demand content

• Traditional TV follows a linear programming schedule, with shows airing at specific times on designated channels
• OTT platforms provide on-demand content, allowing users to watch what they want, when they want, without being tied to a fixed schedule
• On-demand viewing enables viewers to binge-watch entire seasons of their favorite shows and catch up on missed episodes at their convenience

Broadcast vs internet delivery

• Traditional TV relies on broadcast signals transmitted over the air or through cable and satellite networks
• OTT services deliver content via the internet, requiring a stable broadband connection to stream video
• Internet delivery allows for greater flexibility in terms of device compatibility, with OTT content accessible on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers

Major OTT and streaming platforms

Subscription-based vs ad-supported models

• Some OTT platforms (Netflix, Disney+) operate on a subscription-based model, requiring users to pay a monthly fee for access to their content libraries
• Other services (Hulu, Peacock) offer ad-supported tiers, where users can watch content for free or at a reduced cost in exchange for viewing advertisements
• Hybrid models also exist, with platforms like Hulu and Peacock offering both ad-supported and ad-free subscription options

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

• Netflix is the pioneer of the streaming industry, known for its extensive library of movies, TV shows, and critically acclaimed original series (Stranger Things, The Crown)
• Hulu focuses on current and classic TV shows from major networks, as well as its own original programming (The Handmaid's Tale, The Great)
• Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime subscription and features a mix of licensed content and original series (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys)

Disney+, Apple TV+, Peacock

• Disney+ leverages the company's vast catalog of family-friendly content, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises, as well as exclusive originals (The Mandalorian, WandaVision)
• Apple TV+ exclusively offers original programming produced by Apple, featuring high-profile stars and creators (The Morning Show, Ted Lasso)
• Peacock, owned by NBCUniversal, combines classic NBC shows (The Office, Parks and Recreation) with original series and live sports programming

Impact of OTT on news consumption

Shift towards digital news platforms

• The rise of OTT has accelerated the shift towards digital news consumption, with more people turning to online sources for their news
• Streaming platforms have begun to incorporate news content into their offerings, either through dedicated news channels or by producing original news programming
• This shift has forced traditional news organizations to adapt their strategies to remain relevant in the digital age

Decline of cable news viewership

• As viewers increasingly cut the cord and switch to OTT services, cable news networks have experienced a decline in viewership
• Younger demographics, in particular, are more likely to consume news through digital platforms and social media rather than traditional cable news channels
• To counter this trend, cable news networks are investing in their own streaming platforms and digital content to reach audiences beyond the traditional TV ecosystem

OTT's influence on newsroom strategies

Producing content for streaming platforms

• News organizations are creating original content specifically designed for streaming platforms, taking advantage of the medium's unique characteristics
• This content often features longer-form storytelling, immersive multimedia elements, and interactive features that engage viewers in new ways
• Newsrooms are also experimenting with new formats, such as documentary series and live streaming events, to differentiate their offerings on OTT platforms

Adapting to changing audience habits

• As audiences shift towards on-demand viewing and personalized content experiences, newsrooms must adapt their strategies to meet these changing expectations
• This involves leveraging data analytics to understand viewer preferences, tailoring content recommendations, and optimizing the user experience across different devices
• Newsrooms are also focusing on building direct relationships with their audiences through subscription models, newsletters, and social media engagement

Challenges of OTT for news organizations

Competition for viewers' attention

• In the crowded OTT landscape, news organizations face intense competition for viewers' attention from a wide range of entertainment and information sources
• With so many options available, it can be challenging for news content to stand out and attract a loyal audience
• To compete effectively, news organizations must invest in high-quality, compelling content that offers unique value to viewers

Subscription fatigue and churn

• As the number of OTT platforms continues to grow, viewers may experience subscription fatigue, becoming overwhelmed by the costs and complexity of managing multiple subscriptions
• This can lead to higher rates of churn, with viewers canceling subscriptions or cycling between services to access the content they want
• News organizations must work to demonstrate the value of their content and build strong relationships with their audiences to minimize churn and maintain subscriber loyalty

Opportunities in OTT news delivery

Personalized and interactive news experiences

• OTT platforms offer the potential for highly personalized news experiences, using data analytics and machine learning to deliver relevant content to individual viewers
• Interactive features, such as polls, quizzes, and user-generated content, can engage audiences more deeply and create a sense of community around news brands
• Personalization and interactivity can help news organizations build stronger connections with their audiences and differentiate themselves in the competitive OTT landscape

Reaching younger demographics

• OTT platforms provide an opportunity for news organizations to reach younger audiences who are less likely to consume news through traditional channels
• By creating content that resonates with younger viewers and distributing it through the platforms they prefer, news organizations can expand their audience base and ensure their long-term relevance
• This may involve experimenting with new storytelling formats, incorporating social media elements, and addressing topics that are of particular interest to younger demographics

Future of OTT and news media

Integration with smart TVs and devices

• As smart TVs and other connected devices become more prevalent, OTT news content will become increasingly integrated into these platforms
• This integration will allow for seamless access to news content alongside entertainment programming, making it easier for viewers to stay informed
• News organizations can leverage this integration to create immersive, big-screen experiences that take advantage of the advanced capabilities of smart TVs and devices

Potential for immersive storytelling

• OTT platforms offer the potential for news organizations to explore new forms of immersive storytelling, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
• These technologies can create powerful, emotionally engaging experiences that transport viewers to the heart of a news story
• As VR and AR become more accessible and affordable, news organizations may invest in creating immersive content that sets them apart from competitors and offers unique value to their audiences