Over the past decade, there has been a battle between traditional cable services and online streaming subscriptions. At first, there was fear that consumers would cut their cable subscriptions in favor of more affordable streaming services. However, with the seemingly endless insurgence of new platforms, customers are seeing savings dwindle. This begs the question: Could a streaming service overload push consumers back to cable?
The Cord-Cutting Dilemma
It’s no secret that cable costs have risen over the last decade. Average cable bills often come in around $150 and can easily top out over $200. Plus, some cable companies have been known to use hidden fees and expiring discounts to further drive up the cost of service. These prices may deter consumers from signing up for new cable contracts and could explain America’s 39.3 million cord-cutters (2019).
Too Many Streaming Services
When streaming services first gained traction in the early 2010s, many consumers saw the opportunity to lower their monthly bills for home entertainment. There were only a handful of services available, and their monthly subscription rates were lower than they are today. Now, in addition to mainstays like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, nearly every broadcaster either has a streaming service or is planning to launch one in the next few years. Already, there are over 300 streaming services available in the United States.
When there were fewer streaming options, it was easy to keep TV bills far lower than the cost of cable. However, the addition of more stand-alone services means that content is being moved from platforms like Netflix and Hulu to newcomers like Disney+ and Peacock. To keep viewing their favorite films and TV programs, consumers have to subscribe to more services that come at a higher price than they used to.
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Back to Cable?
Some media analysts, including our Media Director at Strong Automotive Merchandising, theorize that the streaming service overload could push people back to cable. This comes from rising subscription costs, the need to subscribe to multiple services, and the hassle of switching between so many platforms.
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Related: Tradigital: Can Traditional Media Fuel Web Traffic?
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John Paul Strong
John Paul Strong combines his two decades of automotive marketing experience with a team of more than 150 professionals as owner and CEO of Strong Automotive.
