Video on Demand, Live Streaming and the end of the world.

I've blogged before that I think YouTube is the new TV - especially with their opening of 100 new pro channels earlier this year. And clearly VOD (video on demand) is becoming king of the content stakes as businesses like Netflix drive on (30m subscribers this year estimated, 22m already). Unequivocally, it's the lack of VOD which is going to continue to destroy online print publishers. Newspapers online need video and in Ireland, they're not having the conversation quickly enough and I'd know, because I would be party to that more likely.

It goes without saying too, that I believe in live streaming and I've seen it happen before my very eyes this year with Streamabout.

It is beyond doubt that video, and local video, is becoming the holy grail. It is also the holy grail for mobile.

Netflix have announced that they now intend to develop their own programming so they'll now compete with traditional broadcaster for rights (and win because they have cash) as well as entering their own productions, like 'Lillyhammer' with Springsteen's Steve Van Zandt.Terrific.

Netflix biggest competitor is Jeff Bezo's Amazon's Love Film who've recently announced a tie-up with The Discovery Channel. I've already said before that Netflix is the biggest change since the birth of Television http://streamabout.blogspot.com/2012/04/netflix-greatest-change-in-broadcasting.html

So lo and behold, courtesy of Mashable, Amazon announces plans to stream one “promising new project” per month. Amazon will measure audience viewership and engagement with each pitched series to decide which series will go into full production. Amazon has been targeting new original programming for its web instant video channel since it launched in November, 2010. Children and comedy shows will add to the existing slate of show and movie genres".


So now Amazon have opened up opportunity for programme makers notably in children's shows and comedy. By the way you submit your ideas http://studios.amazon.com/getting-started/series . 


“Amazon Studios wants to discover great talent and produce programming that audiences will love,” Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios. “In the course of developing movies, we’ve heard a lot of interest from content creators who want to develop original series in the comedy and children’s genres. We are excited to bring writers, animators and directors this new opportunity to develop original series.” Already 15 shows are in production.


So if you can't buy or get VOD  content, you make it.


And more and more, brands are sponsoring almost like the old "live" TV and Radio programmes of old. When I lived in Canada, I remember a natural history programme 'Wild Kingdom' being huge and brought to viewers by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company which went huge in turn.

You are now seeing the early stages of new broadcasting.
It's bad news for publishers, bad news for traditional TV broadcasters but good news for content makers. A massive opportunity in fact, if you'll excuse the mention, for Irish production talent of which there's lots.


This is a ground breaking moment with web based companies making their own unique programmes. It's small, it's a start but it's going to change entertainment forever. It's going to change TV. AND IT'S GOING TO THEREFORE, CHANGE ADVERTISING.


It's changing the world.