More UK Streaming Subscribers

Streaming service subscription services now have more UK subscribers than traditional TV services, Ofcom confirms.

12:32 23 July 2018

The number of Netflix, Amazon and NOW TV subscribers in the UK has surpassed traditional pay television users for the first time.

 

According to data released by TV industry regulator Ofcom, sign ups for streaming service subscription services have reached 15.1million in the first three months of 2018. Meanwhile, consumers who have signed up to services like Sky and BT in the UK over the same period is only 15.1million. The Ofcom’s report added that UK’s pay TV providers saw a 2.7per cent decrease in total revenue last year. Meanwhile, revenues for the three main streaming services increased by £2.3billion in 2017.

 

Chief Executive Sharon White said, “Today’s research finds that what we watch and how we watch it are changing rapidly, which has profound implications for UK television.

 

“We have seen a decline in revenues for pay TV, a fall in spending on new programmes by our public service broadcasters, and the growth of global video streaming giants. These challenges cannot be underestimated.

 

“But UK broadcasters have a history of adapting to change. By making the best British programmes and working together to reach people who are turning away from TV, our broadcasters can compete in the digital age.”