Last week’s announcement from Disney that it will end its distribution deal with Netflix and launch its own direct-to-consumer movie portal indicates the arrival of a new phase of Internet-distributed video, according to Amanda Lotz, a media studies professor with LSA. In an article for fortune.com, Lotz writes that services like Netflix and Amazon Video created a different television experience: one that required a monthly fee, but came commercial-free and allowed viewers to watch whenever they wanted and on most any device. Now that a market for these services exists, studios are taking their content back and delivering it direct to consumers. And services such as Netflix that at first relied on studio content have become notable producers of original series and movies. “These are Wild West days of experimentation as the various sectors that make up the television industry try different strategies,” writes Lotz. “Channels and portals that provide something viewers truly want will win out, and programming viewers find truly valuable—as opposed to just “what’s on”—will become the new Holy Grail.”
(Netflix)
