Gen Z, the internet’s favorite punching bag, is reportedly killing yet another industry: television. In addition to print newspapers, photo copiers, alcoholism, and side-part hairstyles (all of which have been genuinely reported as dead or dying thanks to the younger generation), Gen Z is bringing down what was once the most dominant media format, asstreaming’s popularity continues to rise.
While the stars are out in force at the Venice Film Festival, basking in the sun and promoting their new movies, industry insiders attended a panel (viaVariety) about “how platforms and broadcasters can aid the international circulation of domestic titles in a saturated market” (sounds riveting). The panel, which was attended by prominent heads of European broadcast networks, came to the consensus that Gen Z is a difficult audience to market TV programs to, as social media and streaming have taken over as the new “sexy” formats.
“We are actively finding audiences who don’t watch TV anymore,” said Diana Tabakov, a representative of Czech streaming platform Ivysilani. “We are very good at approaching millennials and older, but it’s difficult with Gen Z, which is a problem with all public service broadcasters.” The streamer is a relatively new, internet-focused off-shoot of a major Czech broadcasting channel, tasked with appealing to the Gen Z demographic. Tabakov summed up Gen Z’s attitude towards network television by saying:
“Young people think television is for their old grannies. I am okay in saying that, as a public service media, we will never be cool and sexy but we can try being an elegant lady and not the granny.”
Is Streaming Reverting to the Network TV Model?
The Blockbuster-killing streaming model was originally intended asan ad-free, subscription serviceoffering thousands of movies and TV shows at the touch of a button. Its two key selling points were ease of use, and “unlimited” access to content. However, the last few years have seen some major changes which have radically transformed streaming as a service.
The Largest Movie Streaming Piracy Ring in the World Just Got Shut Down
FMovies and other websites for free pirated movies have just been shut down in a massive police operation.
