Introducing our 2016 TV Year in Review guest post series
Last year when introducing this series, I wrote that when it comes to TV, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” This year, I’m not so sure.
Covering this industry for the past three years, I've learned to take all hype with a grain of salt. But 2016 felt different, and it’s because what was once only talked about in ‘the trades’ is now squarely in the mainstream.
Chewbacca Mom showed the power of Facebook Live, a platform that hasn’t slowed down since; AT&T is trying to make an uncertain future more certain with its proposed takeover of Time Warner; consumers are demanding more from their cable companies, and are increasingly cutting the cord; addressable TV advertising campaigns are live; Netflix and Amazon are proving themselves time and time again with well-executed expansion strategies, and, of course, exceptional content; Snapchat is quietly building its video advertising and hardware business while preparing for an IPO.
These are just a handful of examples, but all it takes is a glance at The New York Times or Wall Street Journal to understand how rapidly things are changing, and more, how this all serious business.
Over the course of the next two weeks, we will present guest posts from senior executives at companies driving innovation within the TV space. They will reflect on the year that was and will also predict what’s going to happen in 2017.
A special shoutout to Videology, an advanced TV leader who is also sponsoring this series. And, thank you for being a loyal reader of Found Remote. Natan and I are looking forward to covering what’s being predicted for the year ahead.
All posts throughout the next two weeks will be collected here: /topics/futuretv2017