Is the rise of OTT services as well as new content providers a threat to existing platforms – or are there opportunities to be explored?
During the opening session View from the Top, Unitymedia’s CEO Lutz Schüler was clear about it: “We are partners of maxdome, the No.1 VOD service in Germany and we also want Netflix on our platform. Let’s give the customer what he wants. I don’t see Netflix as a disruptor, they are only disruptive if we handle them wrong. Consumers want to watch more content in addition to watching linear content.”
“People still want to see stories, but the way it is delivered has changed dramatically. You can now watch the news at eight o’clcik and then watch an entire series during the weekend with coke and chips. And looking at Netflix, who could image five years ago the new content this has generated.”
Manuel Cubero, CEO Kabel Deutschland, was a bit more cautious, speaking of a ‘frenemies’ situation. “Cable is growing because of broadband, but the traditional TV business is under threat, it is a very tough thing.”
Matt Brittin, president EMEA business and operations, Google Europe, suggested “We can be partners to innovate.There is a revolution of choice for the consumer: bringing more content, more choice and obviously more disruption. We make it possible for people to make the most of the web. We are partners, as you see with YouTube into a set-op box and Android powered TVs.”
“We want to help you find new types of content, and content is now also apps and games. And we and bring these things to TV in a way that works.”
