The Broadcast Boom: Why Traditional TV Still Matters in a Streaming World

Despite the prevailing narrative that streaming has eclipsed traditional television, broadcast networks are proving their resilience by capitalizing on digital platforms. New data reveals that network originals are drawing robust linear audiences and thriving on SVOD services, reaching younger demographics in significant numbers.

Mediocre-performing broadcast series draw unexpectedly large streaming audiences, proving that network TV remains a crucial player in content consumption. As these shows quietly amass millions of digital viewers, media giants are rethinking their content strategies—reviving lucrative licensing deals and bundling multiple streaming services to counter escalating production costs.

---

Broadcast Networks Surge as Streaming Becomes an Unexpected Ally

As streaming platforms continue to dominate the conversation, traditional broadcast networks are proving their staying power by strategically aligning with digital platforms. New data confirms that network television still commands a substantial audience, with streaming partnerships extending its reach and influence. Nielsen’s September data indicates that linear networks still command the majority of viewership for traditional media conglomerates. This evolving dynamic is not just preserving broadcast television—it’s redefining content distribution and audience engagement, reinforcing its lasting value in an increasingly digital world.

At the same time, major players like Disney are reassessing their commitment to linear television, potentially divesting legacy assets in pursuit of a streaming-first future. But even as traditional television faces difficult questions, its content remains indispensable—both as a cost-effective programming solution and as an engagement driver on digital platforms. The industry’s latest financial moves suggest that rather than a wholesale decline, we are witnessing a recalibration of how and where network television delivers value in the streaming era.

---

Maximizing Reach: How Networks Leverage Streaming for Sustained Growth

Media companies are increasingly adopting nuanced content distribution strategies, leveraging the strengths of both linear and streaming platforms. CBS’s hit dramas “Tracker” and “Matlock” exemplify this approach, with approximately 30% of their total viewership originating from streaming services. During their initial 35 days of availability, “Tracker” averaged over 5.5 million streaming viewers, while “Matlock” attracted around 5 million, contributing to their total multiplatform audiences of 18 million and 16.1 million, respectively. This dual-platform strategy broadens audience reach and maximizes content monetization opportunities.

---

Apple TV+ Bets Big on “Silo” as Licensing Deals Surge

Apple TV+ has renewed Silo for two additional seasons, doubling down on its investment in high-budget originals. Meanwhile, AMC Networks, which produces the series, has found far greater financial value in licensing it out rather than keeping it exclusive to its own struggling AMC+ platform. In 2023 alone, AMC collected $56 million in licensing fees for “Silo,” demonstrating that strategic third-party deals can be more lucrative than maintaining exclusivity on an in-house streaming service.

After factoring in the gain from “Silo” and an additional $20 million from returned Hulu licenses, overall licensing revenue in 2024 rose 4% year-over-year to $277 million. A significant but undisclosed portion of that figure comes from a Netflix deal granting the platform rights to past seasons of several AMC shows.

This licensing success reinforces the growing reality that for mid-sized studios, licensing premium content to larger platforms may be a more sustainable path to profitability than relying solely on direct-to-consumer models.

---

Monetizing Content: The Financial Power of Licensing and Strategic Deals

The integration of broadcast content into streaming platforms has significant financial ramifications. Streaming services are reevaluating their content strategies, recognizing the cost-effectiveness of licensing existing network shows. This shift is evident as several companies have resumed licensing films and shows to competitors and are exploring bundling options for multiple services. This approach allows studios to maintain a diverse content portfolio while managing production costs more efficiently, reflecting a strategic pivot in the industry’s financial playbook.

---

Discover What Global Streaming Platforms Pay to License Films and Shows

Unlock unparalleled access to detailed market intelligence drawn from financial data and agreements between leading industry players, including distributors, producers, and streaming platforms.

Gain a competitive edge by understanding the real-world distribution rates and terms driving global licensing deals. By leveraging most-favored-nation rates, our data reflects a diverse range of content and distributors, ensuring relevance across multiple availability windows and content tiers.

---

Paramount and YouTube TV Secure Carriage Agreement

Paramount Global has successfully negotiated a carriage deal with YouTube TV, ensuring continued availability of CBS and other Paramount channels on the streaming service. This agreement highlights the importance of traditional networks maintaining a presence on digital platforms to reach a broader audience. The deal’s financial terms remain undisclosed, but such agreements are crucial for networks aiming to preserve their viewership in the streaming era.

Read more at Deadline: Paramount and YouTube TV Secure Carriage Agreement

---

Streaming Platforms Reassess Content Strategies

The rapid expansion of streaming services has led to an oversaturated market, prompting platforms to reevaluate their content strategies. Many are shifting from exclusive content models to licensing agreements, recognizing that collaboration can be more profitable than competition. This strategic pivot aims to balance original content production’s high costs with third-party licensing deals’ steady returns, reflecting an industry-wide reassessment of sustainable growth practices.

Read more at The Hollywood Reporter: Streaming Platforms Reassess Content Strategies

---

Disney Explores Divestment of Linear TV Assets

Disney CEO has indicated that the company is considering the sale of its linear television assets, including ABC and FX Networks. This move reflects a strategic shift towards streaming and digital content, as traditional TV networks face declining viewership and advertising revenue. The potential divestment underscores legacy media companies’ challenges in adapting to the rapidly changing entertainment landscape dominated by streaming services.

Read more: Disney Explores Divestment of Linear TV Assets

---

FilmTake Away: The New Balance of Power in TV Distribution

The deepening collaboration between broadcast networks and streaming platforms signals a critical realignment in content distribution. Rather than fading into irrelevance, network television is proving its worth as a powerful engagement engine, feeding digital platforms with proven, cost-effective programming. By embracing a hybrid distribution model, media companies are safeguarding financial sustainability and expanding audience reach in ways neither format could achieve alone.

As shifting consumer habits and financial pressures force the industry to adapt, the future of television will be shaped by strategic partnerships, licensing deals, and bundled offerings. Major players no longer choose between linear and digital—leveraging both to maximize revenue and engagement. The next growth phase won’t be defined by competition between broadcast and streaming but by how well media companies blend their strengths to create a sustainable and profitable content ecosystem.

---