The number of broadband TV channels in the German-speaking market numbers 1,275, according to a new study prepared for the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for Commercial Broadcasting (BLM) by Berlin strategy consultant Goldmedia.
Around 151 million online videos are watched daily in Germany, 96% of which are found on free sites such as Europe, but with catch-up TV services fast gaining ground. Goldmedia estimates that by 2015 some 390 million videos will be watched on a daily basis.
Goldmedia has drawn up what it describes as a comprehensive market overview of providers, use, scope and ad revenue among German online TV channels. The study is based upon extensive primary data research, obtained through a survey of all online TV providers in Germany in conducted in September 2010.
Almost half of online TV services (47%) are hosted by traditional media, including print media, which comprises 26% of all online TV services; TV stations’ sub-brands (not including their media and video portals) account for 16% of all services, in comparison to a 5% share for radio stations.
About a third of all services (34%) are internet TV channels produced exclusively for the internet.
The report acknowledges that compared to conventional TV usage, online video watching is still low, but will increase as it eats into the traditional TV audience share. Other surveys have shown the amount of time watching traditional broadcast, or timeshifted programmes, has actually increased in recent years.