Despite continuous advances in audio visual technology, spreading away from traditional viewing methods and the continuing recession, Britain’s television industry is continuing to boom. Recently announced figures from some of the big names in TV have shown this; BSkyB announced annual pre-tax profits were up by 17% to £1.18billion and ITV’s half year pre-tax income is ahead 15% to £235 million.
Many would think that the combination of technological change and the recession would cut down the market, but it seems our love for entertainment over rules other habits.
As mentioned before, people are spending more time in front of the television despite the other options available to them. This is turning the TV back to the focal point of family life, being viewed on average for four hours a day.
It is unclear how the profits break down, as companies such as BSkyB are now involved in the supply of broadband and other services, but they can still all be enjoyed through new smart TVs and through other means such as set top boxes connected to cheap LED televisions. This higher level of connectivity can take some of the credit for the continued high levels of viewing too as services have increased greatly across the board, from advanced free view boxes to on demand services which are paid for.
As more people are staying in and watching television it is a great time to get your hands on a bargain too, with the combination of the TV broadcasters doing well, but some TV manufacturers having to cut prices to increase sales, the consumer has more choice than ever before.