Comcast has long been the largest US cable company with over 22 million subscribers. However, that now falls well short of Netflix’s over 43 million subscribers. DirecTV has over 19 million subscribers, Dish has over 13 million subscribers, and Time Warner Cable has over 10 million subscribers.
With the continued growth at Netflix it is clear why companies like Comcast and Time Warner Cable wanted to merge. Allowing Netflix to have such a huge lead in subscriber count gives them the power to dictate to companies like Comcast.
Netflix’s growth gives them not only the ability to now put pressure on content companies but the ability to strike large production deals for shows like House of Cards. Not only do subscribers give Netflix the cash to make the shows they want but also the audience to attract big name productions.
When people make shows they want them to be seen. Without the large number of subscribers, it is unlikely big name stars, producers, and directors would be willing to make shows with Netflix. People want their art seen, so they go where the audience is.
This move of great original shows to digital should scare Comcast more than a million subscribers canceling. People follow good content, and if the best content is not on TV you should expect many more subscribers to jump ship in the near future. The downfall of Comcast may not be just in the money lost but in the ideas and talent lost to Netflix.
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