Moving on
BY Georgi Chakarov
A year ago, I asked the question “Who can save linear TV?” I think I have the answer now – nobody.

“Sorry, guys! It’s time to move on.” This is what many people from the TV industry get to hear when they lose their jobs. This happens more and more often – at production companies, broadcasters, studios, distributors, everywhere. We all know the reasons – restructuring, not enough viewers, not enough cash, etc. etc. It is sad.

The focus falls on savings, but not saving television. The good, old TV still has some staying power, but it won’t last long. The “old guns” get pulled back to the museum and unfortunately there are only a few young ones to replace them; simply because television does not appeal to the modern youth. Inevitably, the age of both the viewers and the people who make television grows.

A recent report by Nielsen indicates that in 5 years, almost 40% of the US viewers aged 18-24 have stopped watching traditional TV. In the 50-64 demo the drop was 1.2%, while in the 65+ age group linear TV viewing increased 5.1% over 5 years. Back in 2014, the median age of broadcast TV viewers in the US was 54; in 2007 it was 50... There are no stats for the people working in TV but we all know that the trend is similar.

Yes, TV smells of retirement. The moment comes when we will all have to move on, and… It is sad.

But Hey! We are still here! Let’s enjoy it while it lasts and drink champagne when it is all over because it was well worth it.

Cheers! Here’s our Curvy edition!
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