TV viewers are becoming increasingly tied to their second screens. In fact, WIRED reported on a recent Nielsen study revealing that almost 45% of tablet owners simultaneously watch TV while using their tablets on a daily basis. Tim Baysinger of Multichannel News discussed how TV Everywhere on our second screens is driving innovation in cable TV. On the other hand, George Schweitzer of CNET argues that the first screen is still the dominant force in television, especially during big events such as the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards and the NCAA National Championship that took place earlier in the week. Social TV is rampantly growing as well. Survey results revealed that the number one reason they engage on social media while watching TV shows is to prevent their favorite programs from being canceled.
Finally, congratulations to Motorola Mobility President Dan Moloney for winning the NCTA Vanguard Award for Associates & Affiliates!
1. ‘Couch Surfing’ Takes On New Meaning as Smart Devices Proliferate (April 5) By Mike Isaac, WIRED: In the age of Attention Deficit Disorder, the man with the tablet is king. The king of distraction, that is. Nearly half of American tablet and smartphone users are surfing the web on their devices while watching TV, according to a recent study conducted by Nielsen.
2. Second-Screen Devices Driving Innovation (Mar. 30) By Tim Baysinger, Multichannel News: Viewer engagement is paramount in driving innovation innovation in cable television, and nothing has done more to drive that then the rise of second screen devices like iPads and tablets.
3. First screen first: Big event TV and social media (April 4) By George Schweitzer, CNET: It’s the shared love of network TV content that inspires people to express themselves and connect with others on social platforms.
4. Social TV Fans Driven By Desire to Keep Shows On The Air (April 3) By Todd Spangler, Multichannel News: The top reason TV viewers cite for engaging with Twitter, Facebook and other social media is to prevent their favorite shows from getting canceled.
5. LR Cable News Analysis (April 5) By Jeff Baumgartner: In the cable tech world, ESPN EVP and CTO Chuck Pagano is getting the Science & Technology Vanguard, and Motorola Mobility Inc. (NYSE: MMI) President Dan Moloney is getting it for Associates & Affiliates, a category for vendors and service suppliers.
