Television has been a staple of household entertainment for decades. Many of us can
remember when we sat in front of the TV with our family, hooked on a series or film. For
some of us, eating while watching TV simultaneously has become a way to relax after a
long day.
With the rise of streaming services and other forms of digital media, many people are
starting to wonder whether traditional television will become obsolete in the future.
Considering that over 223 million people have Netflix worldwide, it’s no wonder that
people have this concern.
While it’s likely that television, as we know and grew up lovingly with, may evolve or
decline in popularity, it is unlikely that it will become completely obsolete.
Below, we explore the possible reasons why this might be the case:
Television offers a communal viewing experience
One of the unique things about television is that it allows for a shared, communal
viewing experience. People can gather around the TV to watch a show or movie
together, creating a sense of community and connection. This is something that
streaming services, which are often consumed on individual devices, cannot replicate.
Watching content on the big screen makes for a more exciting experience. Even if you
exclusively use streaming services, you’ll likely need a TV or purchase a projector to
watch some of the content you love, especially with others around you.
Television has a strong presence in public spaces
While streaming services are primarily consumed at home, television can be found in
various public spaces such as bars, restaurants, and hotels. This means that even if
people are not watching television at home, they are still likely to encounter it in other
settings. Take, for example, the 2022 World Cup; even if you’re not a football fan,
chances are, you’ve caught a couple of the games while out with your friends for dinner
or drinks because it was being aired almost everywhere. Some restaurants even host
screenings of matches or events, like the Formula One series, in a bid to attract
customers and viewers.
Television has a long history and cultural significance
It has been a part of popular culture for over 80 years and has significantly impacted
society. Many people have fond memories of watching their favorite shows and events
on TV, and it is unlikely that these memories will simply disappear. Television has also
shaped the political discourse and social movements, and its influence is unlikely to
disappear overnight. In 2022, ExpressVPN reported that the most streamed shows in India were created locally or adapted to fit local tastes, and many people continue to watch them on their TV instead of on their mobile devices.
Several types of content are typically better suited for traditional television rather than
streaming services, including sports, the news, and local programming. The NFL, for
example, is one of the most significant sporting events in the U.S. Many families and
friend groups organize get-togethers, barbecues, and watch parties in light of the Super
Bowl.
Television has a strong advertising presence
One of the main ways television networks make money is through advertising, and this
model has been successful for decades. While streaming services also include ads,
they are less ubiquitous than they are on traditional television. This means that even if
people watch less traditional TV, the networks will still have a strong presence through
advertising.
Most recently, Netflix introduced a more affordable subscription model that comes with
ads. While this year definitely benefits subscribers by helping them save costs, this
model just goes to show how important advertising is, even for streaming services.
Watching television might also be easier than streaming a series
While streaming services are excellent and offer a vast array of content, they can also
make the viewing experience exhausting and more complex than it really needs to be.
One of the great things about traditional TV is that it usually has a predetermined
schedule that removes the need for unnecessary decision-making.
Television technology is constantly evolving
While streaming services have changed how we consume media, television technology
is continually evolving. New innovations such as smart TVs, which can access
streaming services and other online content, blur the line between traditional TV and
digital media. This means that traditional television is not necessarily competing with
streaming services but is evolving alongside them.
Television is a more affordable option
With rising living costs and inflation, many people are cutting down on streaming
services or looking for alternative ways to stream content. Some might even end up
falling back to traditional TV to keep themselves entertained without additional costs.
In conclusion, it’s unlikely that traditional television will go obsolete. Despite the
increasing availability of streaming services and online content, televisions remain a
mainstay in homes worldwide and remain a convenient way for people to consume
content.
Television also offers a shared viewing experience, which can be particularly appealing
for families or groups of friends who want to watch a show or movie together.
Additionally, television programming has evolved to include a wide range of content,
from live sporting events to news and documentaries, ensuring that there is something
for everyone. Finally, televisions are now equipped with smart features, allowing users
to access streaming services and online content directly through their TV. This makes
it an even more versatile and convenient option for consuming media.
ThePrint ValueAd Initiative content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.