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Jamie said it is “at the lower end of already dire expectations and in contrast to the days following the GDPR roll out when publishers and ad tech vendors were boasting of pretty high consent rates."
He added “The market is always adapting, finding new ways to prove results. This can drive more value to the premium end of the market.”
Virgin Media’s subscriber boom continued into 2021, despite a marked price rise in Q1, benefiting from lockdown and continued demand for higher speed broadband.
ARPU remained weak in Q1, suppressing revenue growth, but this will recover (somewhat) in Q2 as the price rise takes effect, countering the current disconnect between volume and revenue growth.
The merger with O2 is set to complete in June, with much operational pre-merger preparation already done, but the key strategic questions appear yet to be decided.
Joseph said “Clubhouse is still invite-only, so they are not judging success by how many people are using it. They are much more focused on getting compelling-content creators and then hoping that the users will follow at some point in the future.”
Tom said viewers’ passion counts. “Succession on Sky doesn’t rate very highly — around 200,000 viewers — but they are passionate enough to renew their subscriptions to see the next season, which makes it valuable enough for Sky to pay to fly [its star] Brian Cox over for the programme launch."
He added “As TV shows get more expensive, with more broadcasters collaborating and with more at stake, you probably will find data being used like this. Shows like Amazon’s Lord of the Rings cost the same as a big-budget picture, so you would think they could get audience feedback before putting it out. As things get more expensive, people want more certainty.”
Abi said “The opportunity to drive up new subscribers in the under-35s bracket is small. Older adults also tend to be later adopters of new technologies. Given how long streaming has been around now, it’s not surprising that the streamers are starting to pick up traction in this age group.”
Francois said “They were trying not to upset Sky, and to be No. 2."
Enders Analysis senior media analyst Jamie MacEwan said: "The timing makes sense.
"Apple probably anticipates increased demand for exposure on the App Store. That's because Apple's iOS privacy changes have made other options less attractive."
Ad campaigns on other sites had less reliable measurements of success, he said.
And app developers ran ads only if they were sure the cost of winning new customers was lower than the amount they would spend on the app.
"As its ads business grows, Apple will have to make sure its execution on consent and privacy is impeccable" to avoid accusations of putting itself first, Mr MacEwan added.
The Premier League is reportedly seeking to roll over its existing domestic TV rights deal, in a bid to shore up its financial position given its losses during the pandemic.
A rollover would delay the risk of significant long-term deflation in the value of these rights, buying the Premier League greater financial certainty and time.
For Sky, BT and Amazon, a deal could provide even better value, and would delay any potentially-risky auction, closing the door to prospective newcomers.
Total advertising revenues were down 6% year-on-year in Q1, but strong expected growth in Q2 should ensure H1 is on par with 2019, and up 26% on 2020.
ITV has completed the restructuring of its Media and Entertainment division, although it is not yet clear what that means for what's on screen and what type of screen.
Britbox's UK availability on Amazon Channels will aid growth but will lower ARPU and make the argument around prominence more difficult.