The decline of traditional TV: older audiences join the streaming shift

Steven

Hey Stephany, did you see that British TV viewing is in decline? According to a recent article, older audiences are now joining the shift to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.

Stephany

Yes, I did read that. It's quite surprising to see even older audiences cutting back on traditional television. The proportion of people watching any traditional TV broadcast in a given week has declined from 83% in 2021 to 79% in 2022, which is the sharpest fall on record.

Steven

Absolutely. And it's not just older audiences. Even among 16- to 24-year-olds, only 54% are watching any live television. It seems like video sharing platforms such as YouTube and TikTok are becoming more popular.

Stephany

That's true. The average Briton now consumes four hours and 28 minutes of video every day, with just two hours spent watching traditional live television broadcasts. Streaming services and video sharing platforms are eating into audience time.

Steven

But it's not all bad news for traditional broadcasters. Public service broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and S4C still produce a substantial proportion of the content consumed by Britons. And live broadcasts of international football matches, news events, and major entertainment shows still attract a collective audience.

Stephany

Yes, that's a good point. Public service broadcasters are still unrivaled in bringing the nation together at important cultural and sporting moments. However, the number of shows attracting "mass audiences" has declined significantly.

Steven

Absolutely. The number of shows with more than 4 million TV viewers has more than halved in recent years. It seems like fewer people are tuning in to watch evening TV news bulletins and popular soaps like Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Emmerdale.

Stephany

It's also worth noting that while streaming is popular, there are still households that have limited access to paid streaming services due to the cost of living crisis. This means that a third of households, often poorer or older, are still relying on traditional broadcast television and free catch-up services.

Steven

That's a valid point. Streaming audiences are spread thinly across a large number of shows, limiting its cultural power. It seems like there's a splintered entertainment market.

Stephany

Well, it's definitely an interesting shift in the TV landscape. I have to go. I must attend a meeting. Talk to you later, Steven.

Steven

No problem, Stephany. Take care and have a great meeting.