Comments
clrmoney
3/7/2017 11:33:29 AM
User Rank Platinum
Skinny TV Salvation
I think that the Skinny Tv is better and more useful and efficent and it can save time and money on some things.
afwriter
3/7/2017 12:13:17 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
I have been pushing skinny bundles since before they were a thing. I think that this will ultimately become what cable providers offer with them making most of their money off of the price of internet.
dmendyk
3/7/2017 12:45:32 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
The logical offer is a la carte service, but that's something that content providers (looking at you, Disney) find abhorrent.
Adi
3/7/2017 2:08:50 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
dmendyk - it's a war of attrition. Skinny packages are ditching the less watched channels that got bundled into the full-fat packages. We may eventually grind our way to a la carte.
mhhf1ve
3/7/2017 2:41:32 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
Isn't it all about maximizing revenue? I assume Disney would change its bundles tune, if it saw a way to make more money from skinny bundles. However, the way skinny bundles (and a la carte) currently work, it looks like consumers spend LESS over all to consume their media. I'm not sure how the economics could change, but maybe they could someday. If everyone was forced to subscribe to "something" -- then maybe skinny bundles would end up making everyone pay more? But I doubt the existing broadcasting rules would allow such a future to evolve. Maybe if the entire FCC is abolished... :P
dmendyk
3/7/2017 3:48:35 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
I understand the focus on margins for service providers, but Disney in particular has the most to lose in this. In the US, every abandoned subscription costs Diz about $10 a month. That's serious money.
DHagar
3/7/2017 10:08:30 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@clymendyk - that is serious money!
What do you see as the solution for Disney to stop the bleeding and establish new bundles that fit "The Magic Kingdom"?
dmendyk
3/8/2017 9:33:17 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
Disney's dilemma here is that it has been ringing up significant revenue from subscribers who DON'T watch its programming. On demand, skinny bundles, etc. are damaging that phantom revenue stream. So far, Disney and other content providers (like Discovery) have been able to cajole pay TV providers into maintaining their fat-filled offers, but over the past two years more operators are moving toward slimmer offers. Content companies that have relied on rights fees covering all subscribers are seeing eroding revenues, and there's not much they can do about it. Hence stories like more layoffs at Disney's ESPN.
mhhf1ve
3/8/2017 11:20:41 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
This Disney situation seems unsustainable in the long run, so it looks like Disney (and other content owners) may have to diversify their businesses? I don't think Disney is a target for a telco merger because it's too big already, but maybe we'll start seeing more Disney hardware someday? Like Disney tablets that compete with Nintendo? Or I guess we'll just see Disney continue to expand into MMO games and software...
Ariella
3/9/2017 8:45:47 AM
User Rank Author
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@mhhf1ve Media is a big chunk of Disney's overall business, but it's not all of it, as evidenced by the pie chart that was replicated in http://marketrealist.com/2016/05/disneys-revamped-business-strategy-star-wars-franchise/
According to that article, the real differentiator for Disney is its intellectual property:
Disney's value proposition
Disney stands out from its competitors in the media industry because of its large amount of intellectual property. The company monetizes these assets successfully across its segments. It accomplishes this through the creation of content that uses its intellectual property, whether it's retailing merchandise, console games, or attractions at its theme parks that showcase Disney characters.
batye
3/9/2017 8:52:37 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@Ariella thanks for sharing as visial learner it very easy to see and comprehend it - in my case :) - thank you... ps: for me Disney is like it own Country or force of nature... almost the same as Google or Amazon...
Ariella
3/9/2017 8:57:30 AM
User Rank Author
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@batye you're most welcome. I think Disney used to hold more influence than it does now because there is so much more stuff out there competing for our attention, though it is growing in its own way.
batye
4/2/2017 1:43:33 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@Ariella I trust you are right Disney no longer power house like before... as technology and VR and video gaming did change the field...
batye
4/2/2017 1:43:34 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@Ariella I trust you are right Disney no longer power house like before... as technology and VR and video gaming did change the field...
mhhf1ve
3/9/2017 11:44:27 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
Thanks for looking up that Disney info! I knew roughly some of those numbers but it's nice to see how it all divides up.
DHagar
3/13/2017 7:17:31 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@Ariella, well stated. Yes, Disney has a great deal invested in their intellectual property. That, over time, may actually become one of their greatest assets, just as their working with Pixar has been.
They seem to know how to acquire the true jewels.
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@dmendyk - I don't see Disney as really going anywhere, even if they are currently profitting from being in bundles that are large with viewers that aren't even watching them specifically. They are far too huge in family circles to even be remotely damaged by skinny bundles. Not to mention the ease of providers creating a family package with Disney included. You could even break the Disney channels up to offer lower priced packages. Disney Jr. does a really good job of targetting kids my kids age, so when we had cable, we spent most our time on Disney Jr. and honestly never even lingered on Disney XL because there was nothing on there that my kids had any interest in. So even the people that are currently watching Disney with the bigger bundles, aren't necessarily watching all the Disney channels. There are a lot of options out there for Disney right now, they'll be fine.
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
dmendyk,
"On demand, skinny bundles, etc. are damaging that phantom revenue stream."
A fussy point of language: the revenue is absolutely real. It's the viewership that's phantom. And the bills go to real viewers, who do not like discovering they are phantoms.
A major problem for Disney is that to keep being Disney, they have to remain the default/ground entertainment space for childhood-thru-young-adult, which means prices have to stay low enough so that there is no sizable number of "Disney-deprived" children; so much of their marketing strategy is based on owning the whole space. So if they go a la carte, they have to keep prices low while only selling to people who do watch Disney -- and that doesn't multiply out to much revenue.
DHagar
3/13/2017 7:25:30 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
@dmendyk, great points. Absolutely, now just having a place will not guarantee gains, they will have to deliver and compete. This will be good for everyone - particularly the consumers
mpouraryan
3/8/2017 10:35:48 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny TV Salvation
..and To humbly add @ADI, how they're trying to be creative--for instance Discovery just spun off a new "APP" called curiosity. The intellectual capital they have is quite extra ordinary to mine--isn't it?
srufolo1
3/7/2017 9:20:37 PM
User Rank Platinum
Skinny Bundles
I agree that skinny bundles will save Pay-TV operators from cord-cutting, however the 27 percent also have a point, that they will work if they target only the niche viewers, and most of their customers stick to the fat packages. There is really nothing for them to lose if they offer both.
DHagar
3/7/2017 10:10:53 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@srufolo1, I agree with you. The trend will increasingly be with personal choice. The operators who can better figure out the customer segmentation and niche markets stand to gain.
srufolo1
3/7/2017 11:11:49 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@DHagar That, perhaps, is the biggest challenge the operators have. They need to know which niches will bring them the largest number of viewers with the skinny bundles.
DHagar
3/13/2017 7:15:35 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@srufolo1 - indeed! That is why you really have to know your markets and create specific value-added packages for your customers.
mpouraryan
3/8/2017 10:34:08 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
I am curious to see what the community thinks about the new YouTube service--and this is as the "disruptors" (Netflix/Amazon) are not sitting idly by?
DHagar
3/13/2017 7:27:12 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, excellent examples! Yes, I believe Netflix and Amazon will continue to be leading competitors and "drive" the new markets.
Thanks for sharing!
mpouraryan
3/13/2017 7:31:21 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
Happy Monday & Happy Holi--Yes they are going to be leaders--HOWEVER, the question they need to realize is this: Are they getting too big for their own good?
DHagar
3/13/2017 7:34:49 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, good question. But I don't think they control the answer. The markets will divide and conquer if they believe they are rulers of the empire!
mpouraryan
3/13/2017 7:35:39 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
I wish I shared your optimism as we're seeing the giants even getting more powerful--and wonder if they realize it.
DHagar
3/13/2017 7:43:08 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, thanks. My confidence, however, is not in their ability to see it, it is in the markets - or a competitor, to "dethrone" if they quit adding value or become too big!
mpouraryan
3/14/2017 1:14:45 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
Would you (and others) consider YouTube (with its' own bundled service) along with "Hulu" in this class and are they in a strong position to be among the alternatives? What about, in fact, the content providers (as epitomized indeed by what Discovery is doing that we've also deliberated here Thanks to @Adi's insights)?
DHagar
3/14/2017 6:36:29 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, yes, I consider YouTube in the alternatives.
Yes, Discovery is definitely innovating and searching for new models - good examples!
mpouraryan
3/14/2017 6:44:02 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
I would also humbly suggest that @SNAP will probably get into the fray as well--because it has to figure out how to be relevant in terms of content delivery as well--I was thinking about Snap as the stock price just came "down to earth" today. I wonder what @Adi's thoughts are on it.
DHagar
3/14/2017 6:45:48 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, there you go! And I share your interest in Adi's expertise and predictions! Let's see - then prepare to buy stock!
mpouraryan
3/14/2017 6:55:58 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
I would avoid buying stock in Snap due to its' problematic stock and ownership structure--but the viability of it though as a delivery platform is at least worth a look.
Adi
3/16/2017 7:04:43 AM
User Rank Author
Re: Skinny Bundles
mpouraryan, DHagar - The best stock picking advice I would offer is to say, don't take my advice! I think that's an area for professionals -- financial advisors or Wall Street analysts.
I see it as one of those stocks where if you fancy a flutter (as they say on English race tracks) then it's probably worth a small bet. The potential upside is massive -- it coud be the next Facebook, YouTube etc., or even bigger. But the risks are high -- it's current value is tied to expectations of dramatic growth, so to really do well for you, it would have to match or even outperform already very high expectations. The scale of success required here doesn't happen very often.
But I stress, that's from someone whose analysis is tied to technology and consumer behavior rather than stock price movements.
mpouraryan
3/16/2017 1:17:32 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@Adi: Grateful for your insights--no question they've uncovered a massive market and everyone seems to be following--including Facebook. I can't help but continue to wonder how Snap and its' technology will refashion the market though....
DHagar
3/31/2017 6:04:05 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, thanks for the stock tip!
mpouraryan
4/1/2017 11:52:01 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
Happy April to all!! I am glad to see you found it to be a good "stock tip"..that was not my intention at all!! PS--talk about skinny bundles--I wonder what the view of the Community will be on what Verizon has in store with its' new Streaming service that is apparently due later on in the summer--and as for YouTube Red, just saw an Ad about their first "Movie"..and so it goes....
batye
4/2/2017 1:46:58 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan happy April :) to everyone :) we gonna see new things :) I hope
mpouraryan
4/2/2017 10:42:24 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
Your admonition has already been realized as Apple is out with new Gadgets and with the recent stuff out of CeBIT, it is true that we're living in truly extra ordinary times.
DHagar
4/3/2017 5:19:36 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, I was just being facetious! I know you were not giving stock tips. You are very conscientious!
Yes, change continues!
Happy April as well!
Re: Skinny Bundles
You're as always ever so gracious--Sometimes I wonder, though, whether change for the sake of change is a good thing or not--especially as I saw this--something I might actually grapple as a potential dissertation if I survive my Ph.D. Coursework!!
DHagar
4/5/2017 5:34:44 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan, great critical thinking and analysis. Sounds like an excellent doctoral study. I look forward to your sharing your findings! I am impressed!
Re: Skinny Bundles
As always every so gracious..have to survive my final set of course work and residencies first--but will work to keep at it!!
DHagar
4/6/2017 11:22:13 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mouraryan, excellent - will look forward to it!
elizabethv
3/20/2017 7:52:24 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan - that's an interesting angle to look at. If anyone is getting too big, I'd assert that it's Amazon. As much as I love Amazon. But realistically, how big can Amazon get? How many pieces of the pie can Amazon take? They have OTT, the delivery of their products, they've branched out into grocery, they have audio books now, an MP3, games, tablets, I have to wonder just how many avenues they can travel down and maintain the success they've had.
mpouraryan
3/20/2017 8:08:32 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
So far, they're in Groceries, clothing lines, electronics, movie/TV production--the question is what they're not in--and it can be pretty daunting if one is not careful. SO far, they seem to do all things right--right?
elizabethv
3/21/2017 5:03:34 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan - So far they seem to have done everything well. Without a doubt, but I'm sure there's something they might struggle to do well. I have to wonder if some kind of email/cloud service might be a direction they could take, though I'm sure they could pay for the technology to do that well, also.
mpouraryan
3/21/2017 6:10:59 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
I have taken my queue from him as I work thru my own current startup @DailyOutsider because he has embraced failture--as the phone debacle clearly showed. I got blown away by his image, though, as he drove an robot earlier today--that's why what we do here is so fascinating..isn't it?
elizabethv
3/24/2017 10:50:14 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan - I think most entrepreneurs embrace failure, I doubt they'd go anywhere if they couldn't. It seems like it's just part of the game, you have to expect to fall a few times before you can really run. Though at this point, I think Amazon is like a well-trained, seasoned professional - the number of times they'd fall is few and far between, and they have such a great pace going that even if they stumbled, they'd be able to save themselves and make it look like they did it on purpose.
batye
4/2/2017 1:44:50 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@mpouraryan for me Robot technology is very interesting it like we are living in the future now :)
mpouraryan
4/2/2017 10:40:23 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
If Robots are deployed as an "Enabler", no doubt--but when I see forecasts of about 40%+ of jobs being taken over by Automation (with for instance leading Wall Street Firms enacting Computer-Generated AI programs) et. al, it has to be of concern--we have to remain on the cutting edge--something I have underscored in my deliberations here in TT/
dlr5288
3/31/2017 1:04:24 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
I was wondering the same. If there's some kind of Cloud direction they will take. It'll be interesting to see how it develops in the future.
batye
4/2/2017 1:48:20 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
@dlr5288 it would be interesting to know I have the same question on my end... I hope some one will answer it...
dlr5288
4/24/2017 12:52:53 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Skinny Bundles
Yeah just because I know the Cloud had certainly come a long way from the start. However, there are many improvements that's could be made..
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