Digitization has impacted many aspects of traditional television as we once knew it. Previously, television consumption was very much linear, meaning that you watched what was on in the order of time. This has changed for the modern audience, due to the introduction of recorded programmes, catch up TV, and online streaming platforms (also known as OTT television), such as Netflix, Disney Plus and IPlayer. It is much more common for people in the age group of 55 plus to watch traditional, linear television (Stannah, 2018), whereas '[a]ccording to Dickinson (2014), Millennials account for most TV binge-viewers.' (Cited in Lee et al., 2018)

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Furthermore, catch up TV, such as BBC IPlayer and More4, allows people to have the opportunity to miss the live showing of their desired television programme and watch it at a later time. This takes away the pressure for the audience of possibly missing the show, or having to choose one show over another.

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The way in which the audience now watch television has changed, due to watching on technology such as laptops and tablets, rather than sitting in front of the actual television. Furthermore, it is much more likely for people to watch television alone nowadays, instead of sitting with the family. However, quality of viewing is one thing that has been negatively effected by this, as watching on a smaller device puts more strain on the eyes and is generally less comfortable than watching on a television.

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Along with the introduction of non- linear television consumption, came the habit of binge watching. 'Binge-watching is where an individual watch[es] two through six episodes of a show in a 24-hour period.' (Lee, Monsam, Falla and Ghiloni, 2018) When provided with a whole series, audience members tend to watch it all at once. The element of online streaming and having access to a whole series, takes away the traditional aspect of viewing, waiting weekly for new episodes. 'Dickinson (2014) reports that binge-watching among Millennials is becoming an epidemic, where OTT platforms are the main source of binge-watching.' (Cited in Lee et al., 2018) It is interesting to look into the idea of OTT content, and how this has effected television consumption in the modern day.

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The introduction of OTT television and digitization enables televison to be more global. Due to the online platforms being accessible from anywhere in the world, shows that would traditionally be only available in one country can be viewed globally. Aswell as this, platforms such as Netflix include shows and films that are based all around the world, from Spain to Korea. This adds to the global success of digital television as the platforms cater to all cultures. This is an example of global digitisation as it allows TV shows from one country to be consumed in many other countries. This adds to globalisation via homogenisation. Furthermore, Netflix has made a promise to make all content available simultaneously around the world, pushing the rise of a global audience. ‘Netflix is primarily devoted to high-quality media content, the type of entertainment that has been traditionally produced by the Hollywood studios and major television networks’ (McDonald, K & Smith-Rowsey, D, 2016, 2). This high quality content is something that will appeal and be recognised globally.

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It was noticed that the lockdown changed audience members reasons for viewing; 'Television provided a sanctuary during lockdown for those seeking familiar and “safe” content which offered an escape from the worrying realities of the pandemic.' (Theconversation.com, 2020) The idea of seeking companionship reflects the values that were held with television before digitization. This is what people wanted before the streaming services, and they seeked it again in a time of discomfort. This suggests that traditional TV has always been seen as a comforting commodity, yet audience members are allowing it to get left behind. 

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In conclusion, in many ways digitisation has allowed television to become much more global and reach audiences it wouldn't normally. However, the comforting aspect of coming together to watch television has been lost in the modern day and it can be argued that although the global success of digital television is at an all time high, the traditional, soothing feeling of familiarity from the TV is something that the audience relies on. Digitization of the television has taken this away from the consumer and only recently in uncertain times have they been reminded of how much of an amenity the television is to them.

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Bibliography:

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Johnson, C and Dempsey L (2020) How coronavirus might have changed TV viewing habits for good – new research Available at: https://theconversation.com/how-coronavirus-might-have-changed-tv-viewing-habits-for-good-new-research-146040 (Accessed:10/11/2020)

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Lee, C. C, Monsam, A, Falla, P, Ghiloni-Wage, B (2018) 'Consumer Behaviour of Over-the-top Television Service Subscribers' Proceedings for the Northeast Region Decision Sciences Institute (NEDSI) pp. 400-432

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McDonald, K & Smith Rowsey, D (2016) The Netflix Effect – Technology and Entertainment in the 21st Century. Bloomsbury Academic

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Newsweek (2017) How Netflix Changed TV. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL6zNexyt8o (Accessed: 10/11/2020)

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Nexstar Digital Agency Services (2019) Nexstar Digital - OTT (Over-the-top television) Explainer Video. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE4mEfLMkYk

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Stannah (2018) How Have Our TV-Viewing Habits Changed Over the Last 50 Years? Available at: https://blog.stannah-stairlifts.com/lifestyle/changing-tv-viewing-habits/ (Accessed: 10/11/2020)

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