In class, we have discussed how Netflix is considered New Media. Well if Netflix is considered New Media than so should just about every streaming platform. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Spotify, and more. Since streaming services have taken off, the hands of bigger and more traditional companies are their hands forced. Almost every major channel now offers a streaming version of their product, this is because with so many streaming services available consumers are choosing to “cut the cord” which for the uninitiated means canceling cable. This is forcing channels to offer streaming services in order to keep up with falling numbers.
If we go back only 4 years ago, I still used my iPod every day and took it everywhere I went. I had an iPod Video which had 160GB so that I could never run out of space. Today that iPod is neglected in the corner of my desk at home with probably a layer of dust covering it. I now use Spotify and it has literally saved my life. It may sound hyperbolic but it is so convenient to have unlimited music on my phone. I don’t have to worry about running out of memory anymore, I can make custom playlists, follow artists to stay up to date, share music with friends, and it even suggests new music to me based on what I listen to. My iPod could only store music which I had to upload to it using a computer. Spotify as completely made mp3s and iPods obsolete. Another thing Spotify allows is compatibility on just about any device; phones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, and Bluetooth speakers.
Just some of the devices Spotify can run on
Netflix has also completely changed the game. Netflix started as a DVD rental company in order to compete with then rental giants Blockbuster. As soon as Netflix began to move over to the digital end of streaming it was essentially game over. When I was a kid I couldn’t count the number of Blockbusters there were around the city on my hands because there seemed to be one everywhere. Now that Netflix took over I still can’t count how many Blockbusters there are on my hands, because I can’t count to zero on my hands. Some may argue that Netflix should not be considered new media but it absolutely should. Netflix has undergone a third level of evolution in their brand, they are now content producers, and that is scaring the traditional Hollywood bigwigs.
Last October CNBC released an article that discussed how much Netflix would be spending on original content in 2017, a whopping $6 billion! Not only are they now distributing their own content, but their content is high-quality stuff. A lot of Netflix’ original content has been nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes, and they have exclusive rights to handle most of Marvel’s shows. They have the rights to Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Daredevil.
Whether streaming is here to stay or not, it is currently running full force with no intentions of slowing down. What are your thoughts on streaming and how it may have changed how we consume media of all kinds?