2021: A New Era in Broadcast TV
Updated: Oct. 11, 2022
Embarking on a New Era in Broadcast TV
There’s no question that the advent of streaming entertainment has completely changed the future of broadcast TV, as the longstanding medium has taken a back seat to new technologies.
But before you assume that broadcasting is a dying art, consider this: the field of broadcast TV has long been known for its innovation and adaptability. This means that rather than accept a fate in which it’s defeated by streaming TV, broadcasting is instead undergoing a reinvention period to stay relevant.
In many industry experts’ eyes, broadcasting predictions point to 2021 as the year to kick off an entirely new era in the field. Here are some of the changes that you can expect to see as the world of broadcasting completely transforms before our eyes.
Launching Apps On OTT Delivery Systems
Platforms like Roku and AppleTV are part of a growing category of OTT (over the top) delivery systems, making their way into more and more living rooms worldwide. For local television stations and broadcasters, this means that there’s new territory to cover.
Many TV stations are developing streaming apps to ensure that they claim their rightful spot on OTT delivery systems, expanding their opportunities to reach audiences. For example, some local news programs have opted to add app features such as live weather coverage and breaking news coverage. As a result, there are presenting valuable content in a new, tech-savvy way – and maintaining their audience base.
New ways to keep information up-to-date
Consumers’ newfound ability to access to-the-minute updates any time, anywhere, has presented new challenges for broadcast TV. By the time the evening news airs, many viewers may have already seen the stories elsewhere. Weather forecasts that are even a few hours old are already irrelevant, and local news covering too broad an area is less likely to capture interest.
So, many of the broadcasting industry’s top leaders are shifting their focus altogether. Now, both quality and timeliness are vital, and new ways to distribute information are a must. For example, 24-hour streaming news services are among the latest broadcasting trends, offering a way to serve viewers’ needs and high expectations.
Technology as a valuable tool for change
Even though broadcast TV is faced with significant pressure to adapt to our changing world, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. With the convergence of new technologies, broadcasters are well-equipped to tackle transformation with a smarter, more effective approach.
Here are a few examples of the technological breakthroughs that are helping propel the future of broadcast TV and move into a new era:
- Augmented intelligence: As curated content becomes the way of the future, broadcasters are hard at work, finding the balance between automation and personalization. Even though automation is the most effective way to serve varying needs, viewers don’t want to feel like they are being passed off to a “robot.” So, augmented intelligence provides broadcasters with a way to improve the viewing experience without overextending their resources.
- Smartphone technology: It’s become clear that we are now a society of smartphones, and broadcasters are discovering just how critical smartphone content now is. Viewers now hold what are essentially condensed computers in the palm of their hands, and these devices are where they’re consuming most of their daily content. So, broadcasters are launching apps, mobile-friendly videos, and other tools to keep in touch with their audiences.
Break into the Future of Broadcasting at the Media Schools
Although the arrival of streaming entertainment initially seemed like the first step towards the end of broadcast TV, it turns out that broadcasting is proving that it has staying power after all. By rapidly innovating and adapting, broadcast TV has been able to keep pace with streaming platforms and demonstrate its ability to improve under pressure.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in broadcasting, that means that a bright future is still within reach; there might be more potential than ever for an exciting professional journey. But first, you’ll need to make sure you’re well-prepared to enter a dramatically-changing field with the skills and experience necessary to succeed.
At the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Miami, Illinois, and Colorado, our degree programs have been specifically constructed to stay on track with the fast-paced media industry. Our students receive education and training in the foundational principles of media and the current trends and new technologies that are redefining the field every day. Plus, you’ll participate in a multi-dimensional curriculum composed of both classroom time and practical experiences, giving you the edge you need to enter the industry with confidence.
Learn more about our media and broadcasting schools in Miami, Ohio, Colorado, and Illinois by contacting our team to begin the enrollment process today.
Featured Image: Shutterstock / CatwalkPhoto