What I Saw at the Streaming Revolution
Initially, when we introduced our column and newsletter, I expressed that our aim was to monitor the fast-changing landscape of video content production and distribution, as streaming services began to overshadow traditional linear television. As the streaming battle intensified, Buffering sought to function as a guide through these impending conflicts. Since then, we’ve focused on tracking the debut of various streaming platforms from established media companies, and reporting on the unexpected challenges they faced, including COVID-19, mergers, labor disputes, and volatile market fluctuations. We’ve also chronicled Netflix’s tumultuous journey over the past five years as it navigated both new streaming competitors and persistent competition from tech giants like Amazon and Apple. Furthermore, we’ve kept an eye on emerging battlefronts in the digital television war, such as the surge of free streamers like Tubi and the Roku Channel. One thing is clear: The past few years have certainly not been dull.