Future of Pay-TV: Rumors of My Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated (Sort Of)

If you follow the broadband industry closely, you have probably seen a pay-TV forecast or two that suggests pay-TV’s brightest days are in the past. Cord cutting and over-the-top (OTT) alternatives are now ‘in vogue’ and some say the future of pay-TV is in jeopardy as a result. At least the pay-TV model that we are all used to.

In the midst of this debate, small independent video providers have additional challenges, including rising costs, growing regulatory obligations, and slimmer margins. It would be easy to think the future doesn’t look at all promising. But is it really that bad? Perhaps not, depending on the angle at which you look at the problem. That’s a key take away for me from this week’s NCTC/ACA Independent Show, taking place in Orlando (FL). There was a real vibe at the show among the organizations’ small independent cable/IPTV members that, while challenging, the future can be bright. It’s just a matter of recognizing the business environment and adjusting accordingly.