‘Zero TV’ Homes A Growing Concern For Broadcasters


So-called “Zero TV” homes are causing concerns for many traditional broadcasters.

As the availability of movies and television programs grows across a number of different platforms, many families no longer gather around the TV for enjoyment. This ultimately translates into diminished returns for broadcasters who still rely heavily on the small screen for revenue.

Until TV stations learn to adapt to the changing times, they won’t see a dime from those who fall into the “Zero TV” category designated by Nielsen. Many stations are currently working on getting live content broadcast to tablets and even smartphones.

“Getting broadcast programing on all the gizmos and gadgets — like tablets, the backseats of cars, and laptops — is hugely important,” National Association of Broadcasters spokesman Dennis Wharton told The Associated Press.

More and more people across the United States are ditching their cable in favor of getting content from the internet. Nielsen estimated last month that nearly five million people across the country no longer use their television set to watch programs.

However, 95 percent of Americans are still using their TVs in the traditional sense of the word. Those who fall into Nielsen’s “Zero TV” category account for nearly five percent of the television-watching public.

Even those folks who have decided to part ways with their cable or satellite providers still use their TVs to play video games or watch movies on home video. Roughly 67 percent of those who fit this classification still watch video content.

Nielsen seems to be aware of the shifting change in modern viewing habits. As a result, the company intends to start tracking broadband usage along with traditional TV ratings. Although it will track usage across a number of different platforms, Nielsen won’t be able to provide specific ratings for shows on Netflix or YouTube.

Instead of specific ratings, the company will track what people are watching and what platforms they are using. The first batch of data is expected to surface later this year.

Are you one of the five million people who live in “Zero TV” homes? Have you ever thought about ditching your cable or satellite provider?

[Image via Shutterstock.com]

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