Analysis of Television Industry

 Television Industry 

 

Here’s a brief analysis of the global and Sri Lankan television industry, focusing on structure, trends, and challenges

Global Television Industry – Analysis

1. Overview

The global television industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector, including traditional broadcast TV, satellite, cable, and streaming platforms (OTT – Over-The-Top).

2. Key Players

• - Networks: BBC, CNN, NBC, FOX, Al Jazeera, etc.
• - Streaming Services: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, etc.
• - Production Studios:Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Universal Television.

3. Trends

1. - Shift to OTT Platforms: Audiences, especially younger generations, are shifting to on-demand content via streaming services.
2. - Original Content Boom: Platforms are investing in original TV series and movies.
3. - Globalization:Non-English content (e.g., Korean dramas, Spanish series) is gaining international popularity.
4. - Advertising Changes:Traditional TV ad revenues are declining; digital ad spend is increasing.

4. Challenges

• - Piracy and copyright infringement.
• - Ad revenue loss due to digital migration.
• - High production costs.

Sri Lankan Television Industry – Analysis

1. Overview

The Sri Lankan television industry began in 1979 with the establishment of ITN. It now includes public and private channels offering content in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

2. Key Players

- Public Broadcasters:ITN, Rupavahini, Channel Eye.

- Private Channels: Sirasa TV, Swarnavahini, Derana, Hiru TV, TNL TV.

3. Trends

1. - Popularity of Teledramas: Locally-produced soap operas dominate prime time.
2. - Growing Reality TV and Talent Shows: Influenced by global formats.
3. - Online Shift: Channels stream via YouTube and their apps to reach digital audiences.
4. - Foreign Content: Indian serials and Korean dramas are dubbed or subtitled.

4. Challenges

• - Limited Funding and Technology: Compared to international standards.
• - Censorship and Political Influence: Especially on state-run media.
• - Competition from Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix and YouTube are gaining viewership.

Conclusion

While the global television industry is rapidly evolving with technology and global content trends, Sri Lanka’s TV industryis still largely traditional but gradually adapting. Both face common challenges like digital disruption and changing viewer preferences, but opportunities also exist through innovation, localization, and global collaboration.