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This product guide rates the ethical practices of a number of streaming services. It explores the environmental impact of streaming, consumer advertising and the possible implications of this new era of television. It also investigates how to avoid Amazon and why it might be even harder than you think.
Changing viewing habits
The way we view TV has changed. Streaming services, or video on demand, has become increasingly popular, challenging the traditional model of scheduled broadcasting. The number of subscribers to streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime has recently overtaken those of paid TV services such as BT or Virgin Media.
Ofcom reported that “Netflix, Amazon and Sky’s Now TV hit 15.4 million at the end of the first quarter this year. At the same time, the number of subscribers to pay-TV packages reached 15.1 million”.
Despite Amazon’s secrecy surrounding the size of its audience, Reuters Magazine managed to calculate the figure to be around 26 million. This is around half of the number of subscribers to Netflix. UK TV channels are also competing in this space and offer streaming services and catch up services as well as traditional broadcasting.
What’s on offer?
- Subscriptions (TV and film) – BBC iPlayer (through TV licence), Amazon Prime, Netflix, Now TV.
- Subscriptions (just film) – BFI Player, Flix Premiere, Mubi.
- Pay per view/rentals (TV and Film) – Apple iTunes, BFI Player, Google Play, Play Station Video, Rakuten, YouTube Premium.
- Free (TV and Film) – All 4, BFI Player, ITV Hub