Quote:
Originally Posted by ZodWallop
Sure. Assuming that all networks have some rights to shows that they broadcast (I don't believe that is completely true, but for sake of argument), then they all have a large library. But will that sustain subscriptions for an extended period? Are old TV shows that have been in reruns for decades really going to support a streaming service?
Friends was one of the most popular shows on Netflix (proving popular taste sucks). But would people pay... let's say $4.99 a month for a streaming service that only showed Friends? Not for long they wouldn't.
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I suspect that to be successful, a streaming service is going to have to have a combination of deep library and new shows. You really need one new "must watch" series to get people in the door and a wide array of stuff to keep them watching.
In a "perfect" world, the streaming service and content provider would be separate, i.e. I could watch anything available on whichever service I choose, but everyone wants the whole pie, not just a piece of the pie. I don't see how Netflix survives unless they get bought by one of the big four content providers.
One of the reason that I said it depends on contracts is that content involves a lot of parties and frequently no one entity is in complete control.