A Look Back at my 2015 Predicitions
As the end of the year draws near, it is time to reflect on what I thought would happen in 2015, with my Top 10 predictions. I seemed to do better predicting the business side of the industry, but not so good on the programming side. All four incorrect predictions dealt with specific programs, while five of the six correct predictions were on the business decisions.Look for my 2016 predictions post in late December, 2015, or early January, 2016.
My 2015 Predictions:
1) More OTT Services: (CORRECT) Since CBS and HBO announced and launched their own streaming services, we now have NBC with Seeso and Verizon Wireless with G90, plus SlingTV, Showtime, Playstation Vue, Univision & Unimas. There is a Aereo like service, Teletopia, already starting its service, and ABC is planning to start its own streaming service. OTT was a big TV topic in 2015.
2) The Comcast/TWC merger is not approved: (CORRECT)
This was a bit of a no-brainer. If the merger had been allowed, it would have dominated the cable industry and stifled innovation and choice for consumers. Now, TWC is looking to hook up with Charter, which might have a better chance.
3) AT&T/DirectTV merger is approved: (CORRECT)
This merger may actually benefit consumers as AT&T may push their new DirectTV service harder, to compete with the cabe companies. Only downside is the end of U-verse, from AT&T.
4) A new major merger proposed: (CORRECT)
The TWC/Charter merger is worth $56 billion and there was the Verison actuation of AOL, worth $.4 billion. Big mergers that do confirm the predictions, but I was expecting even larger stakes to happen at least once.
5) CBS/NFL renews its Thursday night football package: (CORRECT) In early spring, the NFL did announce CBS would be back providing coverage for the first half of the 2015 Thursday night package. However, the renewal was only for one more season. The league will again evaluate the package and decides next spring.
6) FOX will bring back THE X FACTOR: (INCORRECT)
My first incorrect prediction, but I am surprised they didn't. Their 2015-16 line up is almost as big of a disaster as the 2014-15 line up was. But, we will get Simon Cowell back on American TV, as AMERICA'S GOT TALEN has signed him on for the 2016 edition.
7) A major series cancellation in 2015: (CORRECT)
In the prediction I mentioned CSI specifically, so I do get this one correct. There should have been other cancellations made, but the networks are now hoarding their series instead of canceling them.
8) BETTER CALL SAUL will not get a second season on AMC: (INCORRECT)
I couldn't have been more wrong about this prediction, if I tried. not only was the series not cancelled, it was quickly picked up for a second season. The ratings were relatively strong, for a cable original.
9) Stephen Colbert tops Jimmy Fallon: (INCORRECT) Another clunker of a prediction. Colbert has closed the game between the two late night series, but Fallon is still the king of late night, for now.
10) NBC finally cancels LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY: (INCORRECT)
Another swing and a miss! The 1:30 a.m. talk show is rarely seen by humans, yet NBC has kept him going since him going for 14 years, this January. Perhaps it is 2016 that will be the end of the road?
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