The future of TV is aggregation

The pattern of TV platforms is cyclical.

At first, there was just one single platform or channel for viewers to choose from, but this quickly grew into several terrestrial, linear channels.

Then came the carriage deals and platforms that carried other channels alongside their own. This often paid-for service meant people could access several services via a single subscription.

As with most entrenched markets, the internet has shaken that up, but the first streaming revolution was much more focused on catch-up services for existing broadcasters.

The second streaming revolution, which is well underway, has seen more media companies going out on their own with OTT platforms offering original content. Disney, NBCUniversal, and WarnerMedia are all launching services aimed at competing with the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

• Read more: The second streaming revolution

The challenge for these new players is that…