Donate today and get a Marketplace mug — perfect for all your liquid assets! Donate now

Will streaming services continue to raise rates, insert ads and crack down on passwords next year?

Dec 27, 2023
Customers are feeling the squeeze because the market is saturated and cheap subscriptions no longer work to lure new viewers.
Amazon Prime Video is telling customers that advertisements are coming to the platform. Prices have risen in the industry and customer churn is high.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Why streaming networks love a good background show

Apr 11, 2023
The ambient streaming library is meant to keep you from unsubscribing when the prestige dramas end, says Charles Schreger of NYU.
Ambient streaming: TV shows you tune out, but somehow make our caveman brains feel connected to others.
Mauricio Graiki/Getty Images

What happens when your streaming show gets "disappeared"?

Feb 6, 2023
Dozens of original shows and films have been erased from streaming platforms. Some companies can receive tax breaks by nixing content.
The cast of the HBO Max series "Gordita Chronicles" in June. Despite positive reviews, the show was canceled and eventually removed from the streaming platform.
JC Olivera/Getty Images

What does the future of the streaming economy look like?

Jan 24, 2023
"This battle that the big streamers are undertaking ... it could turn into a bloody battle, and there could be victims of it," said NYU professor Luis Cabral.
"If you look at Netflix, I mean, they spent billions of dollars, they've created a lot of good content. But it's an iffy proposition. What if it doesn't pan out?" said NYU professor Luis Cabral.
Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

Why is streaming video still so messy?

Dec 6, 2022
Streaming platforms are experimenting with different subscription models, advertising strategies and even partnerships with competitors.
Streaming service HBO Max has relaunched on Amazon Prime Video.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Streaming services are embracing cheaper, ad-supported tiers

Apr 19, 2022
Netflix has held out, in part because it fears damaging relationships with subscribers, one expert ways.
While other streaming platforms offer subscriptions with ads, Netflix has been holding out. People in the United Kingdom are canceling subscription services amid inflation fears.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Streaming platforms are spending big to keep you indoors this summer

Mar 26, 2021
Big deals for theatrical releases and team sports are upping the competition for audiences.
Will this be you this summer? HBO Max, Netflix and Disney Plus certainly hope so.
simpson33 via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

How streaming systems make money

Dec 17, 2020
The majority of revenue doesn't come from the product itself.
Roku makes about 70% of its revenue from deals with brands like HBO by taking a cut from subscriptions and ad revenue.
Simpson33 via Getty Images

TV writers set to get more royalties from streaming services

Jul 6, 2020
A tentative new Writers Guild contract deals with the thorny issue of residuals from streamed content.
David A. Goodman, president of the Writers Guild of America West, speaks during the organization's 2020 awards presentation.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images for WGAW