Waking up in the morning seems a lot like giving birth…#$%@!!... Sometimes it’s quick and easy, yet other times it takes many false alarms, a lot of hours laboring against my lazy bones to pick myself out from bed. And when I deliberately missed several snoozes, I’m late for lecture. College is like that, I go for lectures, skipping tutorials, hogging wi-fi in IT lab, sports, hanging out in clubhouse, admiring the new gadgets in shopping mall, movies and drinks if girls are involved; play computer games with buddies, then mamak afterwards, more games late into the night (just had to kill that guy again), and then work on assignments which are due the next day. All these pretty much sums up my teenage life. But wait a minute. What happened to TV?

Adopted by the internet

I suppose the youths of today are spoilt for choice when it comes to TV content. The sheer numbers of quality alternatives out there are the biggest threat for TV; Google for instance, has announced that it’s launching more than 100 new YouTube channels with exclusive content from big-name celebrities and news organizations. Google is directly funding this content with more than $100 million in advances. Really can’t wait for it to hit my shores. Wait, maybe I don’t have to if I just know how to mask my IP address. *evil grin.

It doesn’t stop there, video game console is upping its game too with Microsoft’s Xbox Live service offering nearly 40 channels of streaming content, including HBO, Sony’s Crackle, Disney, Verizon, and more. To add on, video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are being distributed online, on game consoles, in mobile apps, smart tvs apps and tablets offering viewers commercial & lag-free streaming. *beat that….

In the US, video streaming has steadily crept up on traditional TV with growth of TV viewing +0.2% vs. growth of in-home streaming +35%, I wonder if it is a matter of time before the cable plug will be pulled. In Malaysia, local ISP, TM introduces IPTV and provides access to 46 channels via Unifi’s Video on Demand. Will we see a similar trend? *Tapping my fingers….

Torn further in between

Millennials are no different when it comes to the Internet. My brother who is in university now, grew up streaming videos too, watching online content when our parents had commandeered the TV or when he couldn’t find anything he wanted to watch. He’s comfortable with the concept, so do most of his peers and this has the potential to be devastating to the traditional TV industry.

Speaking of Internet, the popularity of smart-phones coupled up with local Telco’s pricing wars; have given users an advantage of devices variety and affordable mobile plan. (For instance DiGi has been generous in their mobile Internet offering - unlimited mobile Internet plan from $15.) This has fairly influenced my video consumption. If I have to choose between TV and Internet, I would choose the Internet. The Internet is the door to Narnia and with my entertainment priorities lie in Social media, Instant Messaging & Music. After all, I have access to torrents. And these days, I either stream Youtube or watch Astro PayTV thru my mobile when I’m free. *So yeah..….TV can wait…

As mobile content became increasingly popular, I realize that all I want is a quick fix – bite size entertainment are favored over long duration appointment show as they can be consume in small doses and shared easily. The popularity of YouTube is the testament to that and it has changed the way TV audience consume content. Audiences that once craved drama are now looking for laughs. In dramas the audience develops a relationship with the characters over time. In comedy it’s instantaneous. It’s just, ‘Did I laugh?’

Are you trying to connect with me again? then listen up

As such, TV tries to adapt with more game-show and comedy introduced locally, such as Maharaja Lawak in Astro Warna. It garnered 1.8mil (cumulative) viewer during the season and Astro now introduces the spin off where they feature international competition between professional comedians from SEA region.

                Further on to bite size content, it wouldn’t be fun to encounter a good content anywhere only to be let down because you can’t share it. The digitalization of the music industry has trained me to listen to and purchase only the songs I want. Online shopping sites let me buy just about anything, whenever I feel like it. Hence, why should TV be different? I have been taught to expect customization, thus when it comes to TV, why should it be different?

I would love to see à la carte option to get the shows I want, check out what my friend watch, and recommend some good videos to them. Not forgetting, the ability to bookmark some interesting content or add some to my favorite list for easy access. All this is not happening if I have to watch conventional TV thru appointment viewing.

How about allowing us a chance to co-create with the big TV giants, come up with new programs, participate in the activities. Maybe that’s when we will start engaging and build a real relationship we value. TV stations should not undermine the teens as they’re resourceful and know many avenues to get content. If it’s popular, it’s going to be on Internet. If Mr. TV could not give us control over what you show, then at least give us more control on when to consume the program.

Aaargh. Wake up, Mr TV! It’s me, your forgotten son.