The recent rumours involve possible bids by Apple and Google for the next round of Barclay Premiership broadcasting rights. Apple's possible bid is seen as providing premier contents for its Apple TV initiatives and the rumoured launch of Apple 32 inch and 37 inch TVs. Google similarly is eyeing exclusive content for its Google TV efforts. These initiatives can be seen as a new challenge for traditional TV, cable and satellite broadcasters, who have traditionally owned the rights to sporting events and shows.
Additional, Netflix is getting ready for the launch of its own original series, Lilyhammer, via its streaming video subscription service with all eight episodes available at once. New original contents through Internet media outlets will provide increased competition for traditional broadcaster for viewers. With increased access to high speed broadband connections at home and 4G services on their smart phones and tablets, consumers will now have more choices on where to view contents and provide new Internet media outfits with the chance to provide original or exclusive contents to its users.
Lastly, the lawsuits between video broadcasting sites, Youkou and Todou, regarding stealing video contents from each other simply highlight a similar trend in China. China being the world's largest Internet market provides a fertile ground for Internet video sites to provide original contents and exclusive broadcasting rights. In fact, these sites have been signing exclusive rights to shows produced in the United States, Taiwan and Japan to stream to its users. It also provides an alternative choice for Chinese consumers over state and local owned broadcasters.
