"The main idea is not so much to sell advertising, but to create a segmented offer with higher prices than before, while Disney is under pressure to act on its profitability," confirms Alice Enders, director of research at Enders Analysis. Between April and June, the platform's losses amounted to half a billion dollars, compared to 1.1 billion a year ago, despite significant cost reductions.

“The world has moved on from the console model that Sony is offering,” said Gareth Sutcliffe of Enders Analysis, adding that the PlayStation maker had “rigidly stuck” to a model of high costs of hardware and content.

Gareth Sutcliffe, senior games analyst at Enders explained to City A.M. that Netflix’s foray into game streaming is “a natural progression for them”.

“They need to address the TV audience and they intend to do that without requiring an expensive console which is an enormous barrier to entry for many.”

Sutcliffe said Microsoft and Netflix “share a similar vision”, of low cost access to a wide library of games via subscription without the need for expensive hardware.

However, rival Sony “couldn’t be further away from that”, he said, adding that their need to discount PS5 in the UK shows that “lowering cost is vitally important”.

Tom Harrington, head of TV at Enders Analysis, said success on the pitch was matched by success on screen, saying: “If you’re doing well you’re more likely to get people watching. Also accessibility matters. It’s on BBC1 and this World Cup bar one or two games they’ve all been on free to view channels whereas previous tournaments all the games were available but it was on the red button and just harder to access.”

 “[Disney] is asking more and more of the customer . . . while the amount of new content on offer will likely decline,” said analysts at media consultancy Enders, who warned of “a negative spiral and real consequences” if the strike drags on.

“Lack of fresh content, particularly for Disney+, will increase churn,” they added.

Alice said: 'The live music sector has long been a marvel for all to see, both here and around the world, because it provides an experience, both in terms of the music, socially and just being there for your favourite artist.' 

'It is also currently still benefiting from the post-pandemic bounce-back of demand, like travel. Glastonbury was another huge bounce for UK entertainment spend,' she said.

According to a recent report by media research firm Enders Analysis, Spotify’s big bet on podcasts “has spectacularly failed to deliver the anticipated financial rewards to shareholders”.

Alice explained to City A.M. that “in essence, the costs of the exclusive podcasts far exceeded the revenue opportunity”.

James said: “All major telcos face the challenge of updating their ageing customer service IT systems, and finding ways to differentiate their connectivity services, with smaller, nimbler rivals at their heels.”

Claire pointed to the growth in popularity of video platform YouTube and social network TikTok among younger audiences, with less interest across age groups in news in particular compared with during the pandemic.



She noted it was also significant to see a “massive long-term drop in shows” that regularly attracted several million viewers. Analysts at Enders expect viewing of linear broadcasting to shrink from two-thirds to less than half of total video viewing by 2028 as streaming services such as Netflix advance.