Dutch cable operator Ziggo is re-thinking carriage payments for linear channels as a consequence of changing viewing behaviour.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Jeroen Hoencamp, chairman of the board of VodafoneZiggo, said that paying for linear channels is getting out of date.
“There is still a lot of linear viewing, but that is changing rapidly now that people are more likely to choose video on demand or to watch catch-up. This means that some content becomes less relevant and that translates into discussions with suppliers. The old model in which we pay broadcasters for distributing their channels is becoming outdated.
“The more the better, the better, it still is for me. The rise of the Netflixes of this world means that we need to reassess which content is relevant now. I think that the channel offerings will start to move and a phase of rationalisation will begin.”
The past few months have seen the disappearance of a number of linear channels on the Ziggo networks as a result of broadcasters deciding to terminate the Dutch language feed altogether. These include AMC, Travel Channel, Fine Living Network and The Food Network.
