Apple and Amazon TV: The end of the cable TV monopoly?
In “Apples and Oranges: Amazon moves into the Apple TV space” appears a very interesting phrase:
The unit will offer many of the same channels, or “apps” in the Amazon parlance. These include Netflix, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, SHO Anytime, Bloomberg, and Vevo. Streaming music services including Pandora and iHeart Radio should follow soon after launch.
The idea of “apps” taking the role of channels, on an Internet-based platform, could completely upend the Comcast/TWC monopoly. In this model, every program (Big Bang Theory; Top Gear; etc.) could be an app. Alternatively, content aggregators (who used be called “broadcast networks”) could have one app through which content is delivered, a la Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Aggregators would probably face a diminished role as content creators can go direct to consumer via an app, or direct to Netflix if they see value in that relationship. Exclusive contracts for content (mostly live sports) would seem to be the main points of differentiation.
The cable companies would revert to what most of us really want them to be – Internet Service Providers. Not a very glamorous business, but vital, like a utility.
Very thought provoking. And very disruptive.
Greg is a visionary, entrepreneurial executive with broad experience in formulating effective, actionable strategies for technology-based solutions. He brings leadership skills and knowledge in strategic analysis and planning, innovation management, and strategic marketing to create customer-focused competitive advantage. His extensive industry experience in companies large and small, in industries from high tech to healthcare, in product development/management, executive management, marketing, and strategy positions gives him the experience to know what works. Greg is an adjunct professor at Duke University, where he created and teaches “Competitive Strategy in Technology-based Industries” in the Masters of Engineering Management Program. He is chairman of the NCSU Technology Incubator Advisory Board, a member of the NCSU Industrial Extension Service Advisory Board, and co-founded a venture-backed startup. Greg is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a member of the Engineering Management Society, a member of the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA), and a member of the Association for Strategic Planning (ASP). He received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College, and a Masters degree in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University. Greg is an excellent and inspiring speaker, presenter and educator. He is a frequent judge at business plan competitions and hackathons, including MetLife TechJam, Triangle Startup Weekend, and case study competitions at Duke and North Carolina State Universities.
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