At least once in our lifetime, we all have heard elderly individuals unfolding the era of the introduction of TVs to our younger generation. From consuming news on transistors to watching it on television, the transformation was baffling for them. However, another chronicle seems to be building up with the evolution of OTT platforms.
Television is considered one of the greatest achievements of mankind. It witnessed a remarkable journey from black and white, to HD TV set-ups to the current DTH services. TV became immensely popular as the most important and famous mode of entertainment.
History of Television
Terrestrial television was introduced in India as a mere experiment. The Indian small screen programming began in the early 1980s. During this time, there was only one channel Doordarshan, a government-owned channel. It brought the Indian families to the notion of one family, one channel, one nation, and one culture. The unfortunate disparity among families that exists today didn’t have space during the initial phase of television.
The access to communication technology allowed various foreign companies along with Indian companies to expand their footprints in the television industry.
The then era of TV set-ups in wooden cabinets and antennas on top of our buildings is all history now. But every chapter is followed by a new story ingrained in another. The next modification was just that. The introduction of cable transmissions and DTH connections further penetrated Indian households. But that too became a memoir with the drums roaring for the internet and especially OTT platforms.
Television: The decline of an industry
Remember the time when we used to rush to our neighbour’s window to glance through their newly welcomed TV. As kids, we used to satisfy the charm that TVs brought into our lives.
However, every sunrise is followed by a sunset. Thus, marking the near end of TVs. The magnetism that TV screens brought with them is now gradually perishing. The downfall of the television industry is leading to the diminishing viewership of broadcaster’s channels.
Television viewership had observed a decline in 2021, by measuring an average minute audience of approximately 1.6 trillion. In 2018, the television industry saw a 1,604 billion average minute audience. In 2019, it scaled to 1,614 billion. However, in 2020, the average minute audience was recorded at 1,731 billion (thanks to people staying home due to covid restrictions). But it was followed by a decline to 1,591 billion in the year 2021.
It is probably true that television is on the verge of decline in the near future. The initial craze that it brought to India is now a displaced facet in the current digitized world.
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Future of Television
With the growing technology, the entire Television industry could soon become a thing of the past. The television industry has seen exponential changes since its introduction and the disruption is likely to continue in the times to come. There is a possibility that TV companies might be left with no choice but to pack up and make way for the expansion of OTT platforms.
Tv screens will soon become an antique gem that people might preserve in their homes as showcases. The current roaring of cricket matches on big screens might be packed in our headphones with mobiles being intact.
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The digital revolution is welcoming a huge transformation in the television industry with the rapid spread of the internet and over-the-top video platforms. Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar, Youtube, and many more will be the key players. OTT encompasses movies, shows, sports matches, songs, and many more which provide just one-click delivery for different categories of entertainment.
In the year 2021, the OTT revenue from subscriptions across India was observed at approximately Rs. 54 billion. However, by the year 2024, the numbers are estimated to rise to Rs. 102 billion. In addition, the digital market in India is set to become the second-largest by 2022.
The irrelevance of TV was confirmed by the ETV organization, launching a mobile app instead of a TV channel. The company introduced its mobile app in almost every language. It was because the company realized the upcoming prevalence of the internet and thus expanded its horizons online as well.
The evolution of concentrating every category of entertainment in mere 5-6 inches of mobile screens, is just a perfect set-up for today’s busy intellectuals. The continuous flourishing of OTT platforms has become a challenge for the Television industry.
The day is not too far for TVs to become the “last resort” for people. With the weakening of eyesight and lack of internet awareness, TVs will soon be a gadget for seniors to use.
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