BBC vs. Sky Evaluation
In this Evaluation, I discuss what the future holds for Sky and BBC with the evolving technology within the media industries with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Sky’s new “SkyQ” Service and what effect this will have on these two companies.
Online Streaming
Unlike BBC and Sky, Netflix is streaming service that has over 70 Million Subscribers worldwide and is clearly affecting the viewing habits, which has always been dictated by the TV Schedules. This company is at the forefront in the way that we, the audience, interact with our Televisions; Netflix is the main competitor on Online Streaming, with other competitors such as Amazon Prime and HBO;Amazon Prime has just gained the rights to show a number of programmes from HBO. These programmes will grow overtime and will add subscriptions to Amazon Prime, but whether they have an impact on Netflix will remain to be seen as the company itself is trying to invest in China, which will be a major coup for the company; while investing more heavily in more original programming; Netflix operates in 190 different countries, reaching half of the world’s broadband users.
SkyQ
Sky have just released their new broadband box “SkyQ”; it is a wireless home entertainment which allows you to watch recordings around your home, you can pause in one room and then you can continue on in another room. You can also synch recordings to your tablets so you can watch them on the go.The SkyQ hub box delivers the most reliable broadband experience via new dual band wireless technology; it also allows you to share photos and music; as well as letting you record four different shows at the one time. This new box is Sky’s newest piece of equipment to help them compete in the ever-changing media market.
What does the future hold for BBC?
Out of all these companies; the BBC seems to the one that is struggling in the ever-changing media market, it has been reported that a number of request to TV Shows on the IPlayer have fallen in March of 2015. The service only grew by 2% in comparison with Netflix, which is expected to grow at an annual rate of 20.6%. With the IPlayer now online and the plans to decriminalise the Licence Fee, this could cost the BBC 200 million pounds and may result in the channels shutting down.
There doesn’t seem to be a better alternative to the Licence Fee, which gives the BBC an advantage over other companies and competitors, this and the selling of their most popular programmes such as Doctor Who and Sherlock, along with it’s global IPlayer, will support the company in the future. But, it is becoming increasing apparently likely that the BBC will have to change their funding model in order to keep with their competitors in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion; I believe that Sky is better suited for the 21st Century as the BBC is having problems with their funding model and all of the controversies that have surrounded the company in the past few years. But as a viewer and media student; I feel that Online Streaming will become the main way of how we view TV show and films and there will no longer a need for a TV Schedule as with our phones, tablets, smart TVs and computers; we will be able to watch what we want any time, any place, anywhere.
Harvard Referencing
Reading, L. (2016) What’s next for Netflix. Available at: (Accessed: 7 April 2016).
Sky Q - overview - your wireless home entertainment system (2016) Available at: (Accessed: 7 April 2016).
Ltd, C. (2015) What does the future hold for the BBC? Available at: (Accessed: 7 April 2016).