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The economics of television and online video markets

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  • Gregory S. Crawford

Abstract

Television is the dominant entertainment medium for hundreds of millions. This chapter surveys the economic forces that determine the production and consumption of this content. It presents recent trends in television and online video markets, both in the US and internationally, and describes the state of theoretical and empirical research on these industries. A number of distinct themes emerge, including the growing importance of the pay-television sector, the role played by content providers (channels), distributors, and negotiations between them in determining market outcomes, and concerns about the effects of market power throughout this vertical structure. It also covers important but unsettled topics including the purpose for and effects of both the old (Public Service Broadcasters) and the new (online video markets). Open theoretical and empirical research questions are highlighted throughout.

Suggested Citation

  • Gregory S. Crawford, 2015. "The economics of television and online video markets," ECON - Working Papers 197, Department of Economics - University of Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:zur:econwp:197
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    File URL: https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/111416/1/econwp197.pdf
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    3. Budzinski, Oliver & Lindstädt-Dreusicke, Nadine, 2018. "The new media economics of video-on-demand markets: Lessons for competition policy," Ilmenau Economics Discussion Papers 116, Ilmenau University of Technology, Institute of Economics.
    4. Alexander Cuntz & Alessio Muscarnera & Prince C. Oguguo & Matthias Sahli, 2023. "IP assets and film finance - a primer on standard practices in the U.S," WIPO Economic Research Working Papers 74, World Intellectual Property Organization - Economics and Statistics Division.
    5. Budzinski, Oliver & Lindstädt-Dreusicke, Nadine, 2019. "The new media economics of video-on-demand markets: Lessons for competition policy (updated version)," Ilmenau Economics Discussion Papers 125, Ilmenau University of Technology, Institute of Economics.
    6. Paul Belleflamme & Martin Peitz, 2018. "Platforms and network effects," Chapters, in: Luis C. Corchón & Marco A. Marini (ed.), Handbook of Game Theory and Industrial Organization, Volume II, chapter 11, pages 286-317, Edward Elgar Publishing.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economics; television; online video; public service broadcasting; advertising; pay television; bundling; bargaining; market power; net neutrality; foreclosure; policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • L32 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Public Enterprises; Public-Private Enterprises
    • M37 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Advertising
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D40 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - General
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • L50 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - General

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