Six trends will drive seismic shift in media and entertainment industry in 2014: EY report

Consumers at the helm of changes across media and entertainment industry

TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Viewer demands for control and new experiences are driving change across the media and entertainment industry, according to a new report by EY. Future of television identifies six key trends that will transform television in the years ahead.

"The media and entertainment industry is experiencing a seismic shift in monetization and storytelling —with an ever-expanding array of channels, platforms, devices and experiences," says Martin Lundie, EY partner and Canadian media industry leader. "But the biggest obstacle many face is keeping up with the pace of change. Technology is accelerating so quickly that addressing daily operational challenges while planning for the next big thing is nearly impossible."

That's why EY undertook interviews with executives and thought leaders from media and entertainment companies around the world — to unearth the following emerging trends set to shake up the industry:

1. Storytelling will evolve to make better use of an omni-platform environment. Multiple screens that work seamlessly together will enable new story arcs and create greater opportunities for content producers to innovate with their audiences.
   
   
2. Ubiquitous screens will demand greater content mobility. As more screens appear in more places — from different rooms in a house to vehicles and public spaces — there will be an increased demand for content that can seamlessly follow viewers wherever they go.
   
   
3. Social dynamics and synergistic experiences will drive more event-based viewing. While the viewing landscape grows increasingly fractured, consumers still want to be part of the collective social experience of events such as the World Cup or the Academy Awards.
   
   
4. Innovative program discovery and TV controls will drive new clutter-reducing techniques. Tablets and other devices will make program search and discovery more intuitive and tailored to an individual's preferences. Content providers will have to optimize their content for searching, much like they do for search engines, to push relevant and appealing material to the viewer.
   
   
5. Bingeing will drive more innovation in measurement and personalization. With the rise of video-on-demand platforms, consumers are now watching several hours of back-to-back content in a single sitting. Companies will need to develop methods to measure and better understand this unique viewing pattern in order to better package content.
   
   
6. New entrants demanding unique content will drive innovation beyond the traditional studio system. With programming now being produced by a greater number of players, creative talent will have greater freedom and the ability to take more risks.

"At the heart of each emerging trend is the need for a stronger relationship with viewers," says Lundie. "Companies must invest in technologies that enable them to analyze audience data, deliver deeper engagement with advertising and prove incremental value to brands. The future of television is about offering a cutting-edge content experience."

EY Media & Technology Breakfast Series: Future of TV — What's on the next episode? On Thursday, 16 January 2014, EY will host an interactive session in Toronto with a panel from the media and entertainment sector, to discuss perspectives on and strategies to manage the trends and evolution of TV, and what's in store for the next episode. For more information, or to register, click here.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

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SOURCE: EY (Ernst & Young)

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