In 2025, Facebook remained the most-used social platform for news in the United States, with ** percent of respondents reporting they accessed news on it. YouTube followed closely at ** percent, recording a slight increase from the previous year. X (formerly Twitter) saw the most notable growth, rising by ***** percent to ** percent.

In the week running from March 9 to 15, 2020, Fox News averaged **** million viewers in primetime, and CNN outperformed MSNBC with its primetime audience of **** million. Comparing these figures to the corresponding week of the previous year, primetime viewership is noticeably higher among all three of the major cable news networks. Cable news network viewership varies monthly, though Fox News generally comes out on top, but the TV industry as a whole will be keeping a close eye on developments and ratings in spring 2020 in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic which is driving people indoors as they self-isolate, contrary to normal spring behaviour which tends to send viewers outdoors and away from their television sets.

Important to note here is that on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the coronavirus was a global pandemic, right in the middle of the week in March 2020 presented in the graph. In that week, Fox News averaged over *** million more primetime viewers than in the corresponding period in 2019, and CNN's primetime audience was around ***** times higher.

It was calculated that in 2019, CBS, which belongs to ViacomCBS, ranked first on the list of the leading broadcast TV networks in the United States, with measured media spending of nearly *** billion U.S. dollars.

What are the most-watched news networks? In November 2023, Fox News was the most watched cable news network in the United States and continues to do well in terms of its primetime audience, with **** million primetime viewers in that period. Fox News viewers in the 25-54 demographic amounted to *** thousand, whilst MSNBC had just *** thousand. When looking at Fox News viewers compared to CNN, the overall average number of primetime viewers was notably different. CNN has been losing viewers in recent years, although during the coronavirus outbreak, tended to pull in a larger audience than usual. Which cable news channel has the most viewers in prime time? Performing well during the mid-evening prime time slot on cable television is the goal of any network that takes its ratings seriously.Cable news networks like Fox, CNN, and MSNBC are engaged in a monthly battle to hit the top spot during primetime and grab the highest cable news ratings during those precious evening hours. Fox News ratings during primetime are generally higher than its two direct competitors, and was the top channel for watching the State of the Union Address in 2020. What is prime time TV? Primetime television is the time at which the audience peaks, and in the United States usually takes place between 8pm and 11pm. TV networks show their most sought after or successful programs during this time, and this slot is where advertisers like to spend their money in order to maximize the number of viewers who will see their products. In fact, many of the most-watched news shows like Hannity or The Rachel Maddow Show which debate news coverage from a particular point of view, draw in massive audiences each month, ultimately contributing to the overall ratings of the network they belong to.

Based on advertising spending data, it was found that in 2019, ESPN, which belongs to Walt Disney Corporation, ranked first on the list of leading cable networks in the United States, with measured media spending of approximately **** billion U.S. dollars.

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US Pay Tv Market Size 2025-2029

The US pay tv market size is forecast to increase by USD 6.45 billion at a CAGR of 1.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The Pay TV market in the US is driven by the high demand for live programming and sports content, which continues to be a significant draw for subscribers. The ease of use offered by cable TV providers, enabling seamless access to a wide range of channels, further bolsters the market's growth. However, the emergence of online streaming platforms poses a notable challenge. These home entertainment platforms, with their flexibility and affordability, are increasingly gaining traction among consumers. As a result, traditional Pay TV providers must adapt to remain competitive, focusing on enhancing their offerings and customer experience to retain subscribers and attract new ones.
Companies in the market can capitalize on this competitive landscape by investing in innovative technologies and strategies to differentiate themselves and cater to evolving consumer preferences.

What will be the size of the US Pay Tv Market during the forecast period?

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The Pay TV market in the US is characterized by continuous advancements in technology and consumer preferences. Content moderation and user interface design play crucial roles in ensuring user experience optimization and customer satisfaction. High-definition video quality and live streaming are now standard offerings, requiring substantial network bandwidth. Content partnerships and on-demand content are driving media distribution, with artificial intelligence and machine learning powering content strategy and personalization. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are emerging, enhancing user engagement metrics and media consumption patterns. Media consolidation and system integration are key trends, as companies seek to optimize subscription revenue and advertising revenue through innovative marketing strategies.
Digital marketing and social media marketing are essential components of these strategies, while digital watermarking and content licensing agreements safeguard content monetization and intellectual property. Customer data protection and program guide data are critical for maintaining trust and improving user experience. Emerging technologies, such as 5G networks and advanced audio quality, will further shape the Pay TV landscape.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Technology

  Satellite TV
  Cable TV
  IP TV


End-user

  Household
  Commercial


Type

  Postpaid
  Prepaid


Geography

  North America

    US

By Technology Insights

The satellite tv segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic pay TV market of the US, traditional cable TV and satellite providers face intense competition from over-the-top (OTT) platforms and mobile TV services. Content licensing and production costs are significant challenges for cable TV companies, which offer channel packages with hundreds of channels. In contrast, OTT platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video focus on personalized recommendations and data compression to deliver content efficiently over broadband internet. Cable TV companies have responded by offering internet bundles and unique features, as well as adopting business strategies to counteract subscriber churn. Broadcast networks and OTT platforms engage in content creation and distribution, with talent acquisition and customer relationship management playing crucial roles.

Technical support and data encryption are essential for ensuring user experience and protecting intellectual property. Industry regulations, such as antitrust laws and audience measurement, impact the market dynamics. Multi-screen viewing and targeted advertising are popular trends, with wireless networks and edge computing enabling multi-channel television and interactive television experiences. Content delivery networks and smart TVs facilitate content discovery and digital rights management. Content acquisition and aggregation are essential for both cable TV and OTT platforms, with program guides and user interfaces optimized for ease of use. Subscription models and billing systems are critical components of the pay TV ecosystem.

Network infrastructure, network capacity, and data analytics are vital for delivering high-quality content, including 4k resolution and viewership ratings. The convergence of media and technology continues to shape the pay TV market, with fiber optic and cloud computing playing increasingl

Snapshot img

Broadcasting Cable TV Market Size 2025-2029

The broadcasting cable TV market size is forecast to increase by USD 36.7 billion, at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant shifts as TV broadcasters increasingly develop their own Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to reach audiences beyond traditional cable subscriptions. This trend is driven by the expanding OTT delivery systems, which offer greater flexibility and convenience to consumers. However, the market faces challenges as well. Stringent rules and regulations imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to shape the competitive landscape, necessitating compliance and strategic adaptation. As broadcasters navigate these changes, they must effectively balance the opportunities presented by OTT platforms and online streaming with the regulatory requirements to maintain a strong market presence.
Companies seeking to capitalize on this dynamic market should focus on staying agile and innovative, while ensuring regulatory compliance, to meet the evolving demands of consumers and competitors alike.

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The market continues to evolve, with dynamic market dynamics shaping its various sectors. Transmission networks play a crucial role in delivering content to viewers, employing technologies such as fiber optics and microwave transmission. Advertising revenue is a significant driver, with targeted advertising and addressable advertising becoming increasingly popular. YouTube TV and other over-the-top (OTT) platforms challenge traditional cable TV providers, offering flexibility and convenience through remote control access and on-demand content. Audience measurement tools, like viewership ratings, help broadcasters understand consumer behavior and tailor their programming accordingly. Broadcast infrastructure includes set-top boxes (STBs), cable modems, and satellite uplinks, enabling the delivery of digital television, high-definition television (HDTV), and ultra-high-definition television (UHDTV).

Subscription management systems facilitate customer retention, while subscription revenue is a key revenue stream. Content licensing and acquisition are essential components, with providers seeking to offer a diverse channel lineup. Pay-per-view (PPV) and streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video, add to the mix. Interactive television and user interfaces (UIs) enhance the viewer experience, while content protection measures ensure security. Satellite television, including Dish Network, and cable television coexist, each offering unique advantages. Network security and technical support are essential for maintaining service quality. The ongoing unfolding of market activities reveals evolving patterns, with 8k resolution and 4k resolution emerging as the next frontier.

How is this Broadcasting Cable TV Industry segmented?

The broadcasting cable tv industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Revenue Stream

  Advertising
  Subscription


Application

  Satellite TV
  Cable TV
  Internet Protocol TV (IPTV)
  Others


Service

  Entertainment
  News and sports
  Educational/documentary


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Revenue Stream Insights

The advertising segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is segmented into advertising and subscription revenue channels. In 2024, the advertising segment dominated the market due to the expansion of cable and satellite TV networks in rural areas and remote locations. This revenue model is applicable to both online and offline businesses, generating income through the sale of ad space. TV networks significantly rely on advertising, broadcasting commercials between shows and charging advertisers accordingly. Fiber optics and satellite uplinks facilitate the transmission of digital and high-definition content, enhancing the viewer experience. Interactive television and addressable advertising enable customized content delivery, boosting customer retention.

Subscription revenue is also a significant contributor, fueled by fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and cable modem technologies. Streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Sling TV have emerged as competitors, offering on-demand content and flexible subscription

The American cable sports channel ESPN dominated the ratings of syndicated programs in the United States, with the NFL season taking the top ten spots for the most viewed program from August 2019 to August 2020. Nearly *** percent of the American population tuned into watch the NFL regular season first telecast on the **** November 2019.

The most recent data reveals that YouTube TV leads the global virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD) sector with a ** percent market share, significantly surpassing Hulu + Live TV, which holds ** percent. Other major platforms in the top five include Sling TV, which has a ** percent share, followed by Fubo and other smaller services, each with **** percent. vMVPDs transform TV viewing habits vMVPDs are online services that provide live and on-demand TV channels over the internet, similar to traditional cable or satellite TV. The key difference lies in their flexibility, multi-device accessibility, and often lower costs. These advantages have significantly changed how consumers access television, leading to a sharp decline in traditional pay TV revenue, which dropped from *** billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to *** billion in 2022. Virtual pay TV v/s Pay TV Virtual pay TV services have rapidly expanded in the U.S., reflecting the overall global shift towards online entertainment. From 2016 to 2024, traditional multichannel video providers saw a significant drop in subscribers, declining from **** million to an estimated **** million. In contrast, virtual pay TV platforms grew exponentially, jumping from * million to over ** million subscribers during the same period. This shift illustrates the growing demand for more versatile and accessible TV solutions, as viewers continue to turn away from traditional cable services in favor of more flexible streaming options.

Snapshot img

Smart TV Sticks Market Size 2025-2029

The smart tv sticks market size is forecast to increase by USD 962.7 million at a CAGR of 9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expanding smart home ecosystem and the increasing penetration of smart TVs worldwide. With the rise of IoT technology and the integration of voice assistants into daily life, the demand for convenient and affordable streaming solutions has d. The market is further fueled by the increasing use of mobile electronic devices, enabling seamless content streaming between devices. However, challenges such as privacy concerns, intense competition, and the need for continuous innovation to keep up with consumer demands persist.
Companies seeking to capitalize on this market opportunity must focus on developing user-friendly interfaces, ensuring compatibility with various devices and platforms, and addressing privacy concerns through security measures. By staying abreast of market trends and consumer preferences, players can effectively navigate challenges and establish a strong market presence.

What will be the Size of the Smart TV Sticks Market during the forecast period?

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The smart TV stick market in the US is experiencing significant growth as consumers seek cost-effective solutions to access online content on their standard televisions. These compact devices enable users to transform their regular TVs into smart televisions, granting access to multiple apps, online streaming channels, and web information. The market's expansion is driven by increasing consumer preferences for seamless streaming of media content, including live sporting events and voice control capabilities.
As leading brands continue to innovate and improve the user experience, the smart TV stick market is poised for continued growth in the US, offering viewers an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional smart TVs.

How is this Smart TV Sticks Industry segmented?

The smart tv sticks industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Non-4K
  4K and above
  1080p and below
  4K
  8K
  HDR Support


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online
  Direct-to-Consumer
  Subscription Bundles


Connectivity

  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth


OS

  Android TV OS
  Roku OS
  Amazon fire TV OS
  Linux-based OS
  Google TV


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE

By Type Insights

The non-4k segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Non-4K smart TV sticks remain popular choices for American homes due to their cost-effectiveness and wide content reach. These devices offer high dynamic range (HDR) content, which enhances the viewing experience. The lower cost of non-4K TV sticks compared to their 4K counterparts drives demand. CloudWalker's HALFTICKET TV Smart Stick, for instance, offers 8GB internal storage, expandable up to 32GB, enabling users to search for online content on their TVs. Voice control is another attractive feature, allowing users to access online content hands-free. Improved performance, powerful speakers, and bundling options further add value. With the rise of connected homes, live streaming services, and high-definition content, smart TV sticks have become essential streaming gadgets for internet users.

Consumers prefer these CTV-focused devices for their versatility, seamless streaming, and user-friendly interfaces. Strategic alliances with leading brands, improved performance, and advanced features cater to consumer preferences. E-commerce platforms offer various bundle packages, making it convenient for users to purchase these devices. The entertainment industry's technological developments cater to the fast-paced lifestyle, providing viewers with enhanced viewing experiences and entertainment options on official websites, mobile devices, and even offline.

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The Non-4K segment was valued at USD 803.70 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 33% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American market for smart TV sticks is experiencing significant growth due to the region's high online content

Data revealed that the number of traditional pay TV households in the United States stood at around ** million in 2023. This figure will likely drop further over the next few years and amount to less than ** million by 2028. Meanwhile, digital pay TV is becoming increasingly popular. Pay TV is fighting an uphill battle The United States is one of the largest pay TV markets worldwide based on penetration. But even though millions of viewers frequently tune in to watch their favorite shows, news broadcasts, and sports events on the small screen, the U.S. pay TV industry is facing enormous challenges. More viewers are canceling their cable or satellite subscriptions than ever, be it because of mounting prices, limited content offerings, or the proliferation of over-the-top (OTT) video services and streaming platforms. Based on the latest data, over half of TV households in the country are currently without a telco, cable, or satellite TV provider. Can cable companies combat subscriber loss? The cord-cutting movement and other recent changes in consumer behavior have had a substantial impact on the pay TV landscape and its players. In 2023, U.S. pay TV providers suffered a combined net subscriber loss of around **** million viewers. This downward trend also extends to the largest pay TV providers in the U.S., such as Charter and Comcast. However, they have recently ventured into the world of streaming to offset subscriber losses, but whether this expansion will be enough to effectively combat churn remains to be seen.

Newspaper publishers have struggled to adapt a print-focused business model to a changing media landscape. Digital media outlets continue outperforming their print-focused counterparts but earn less revenue per customer in a market flooded with news websites. This shift has disproportionately impacted local papers, leading to widespread closures and layoffs. In the face of such obstacles, national papers engage in acquisitions to strengthen their subscriber base and leverage the credibility of local newsrooms. Despite these efforts, the struggle to maintain profitability and relevance persists. The industry's contraction has been stark, with a report from Northwestern University indicating that by 2024, one-third of US newspapers that existed in 2005 will have disappeared, leaving more than half of US counties with limited or no access to reliable local news. Newspaper publishing revenue has dropped at an annualized 2.7% over the past five years and is expected to total $30.1 billion in 2025, when revenue will dip an estimated 4.8% with a profit of 10.1%. The departure of print newspaper publishers reflects local papers' inability to attract readers and generate acquisition interest. For larger publishers, mergers and a shift to digital media help companies stay relevant. Consolidation has contributed to restructuring by centralizing various functions, including ad sales, editing and layout. For example, Gannett Co.'s acquisition of New Media Investment Group in 2019 is emblematic of a broader trend as major publishers assimilate local media outlets into their networks. Many newspaper publishers have considered shifting to a non-profit business model. An effort to preserve credible and local journalism has encouraged private donors to become a more significant source of revenue while publishers focus less on profit. Print newspaper sales have plummeted as consumers gravitate towards digital news options that offer greater convenience, digestibility, and mobility. News consumption has steadily moved online, transforming the competitive landscape and forcing traditional publishers to compete with a saturated market of digital entrants. Newspaper publishing will continue struggling despite the influx of digital media. Traditional papers will continue underperforming, while newspapers switching to non-profit models will worry less about financial performance. The industry landscape will fracture as an abundance of minor digital competitors split the subscriber market, decreasing advertising prices. As digital news consumption continues to climb, publishers will prioritize mobile-friendly content to meet changing audience preferences. The industry is likely to see increased regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding misinformation and privacy, which could impact advertising revenue and operational costs. Ultimately, the Newspaper Publishing industry revenue is forecast to drop at an annualized 4.8% through the end of 2030 to $23.6 billion.

Discovery Kids and Fox Channel were the leading cable network in Latin America in November 2019, both with a rating of ****. Beside Discovery Kids, four other children's networks made it to the top 10: Carton Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Disney Junior.

Roku was the leading streaming TV platform in the United States in the first quarter of 2019. During the measured period, Roku media streamers and Roku-based smart TVS accounted for the lion's share of over 30 percent of all connected TV device sales in the U.S.

The rise of Roku
A Roku is a digital media player device that allows users to stream content from a number of original channels, cable networks, entertainment apps, and third-party providers like Netflix and Hulu. These devices deliver OTT (over-the-top) video content via the users’ internet connection – to great success: in the United States, Roku Inc. reported close to 30 million monthly active users in the first quarter of 2019 and an annual revenue of over 325 million U.S. dollars in 2018.

Connected TV devices in the United States
Connected TVs (CTVs) are television devices that either have a build-in internet connection or are paired with an external web-enabled device like a Roku. This technology is enjoying great popularity in the United States, where an estimated 203 million people used connected TV devices in 2019. This figure is expected to increase in the following years, with roughly 45 percent of U.S. CTV users projected to stream content via a Roku device.

During the U.S. TV broadcast of the Women's Soccer World Cup between ****** and ******, 2019, the leading advertiser was Verizon, having spent *** million U.S. dollars on TV ads aired on Fox channels in that time. All in all, TV ad spend on Fox during the event amounted to **** million U.S. dollars and, including Spanish-language TV network ads, it reached ** million dollars.

In 2019 ten percent of debut television series from streamed TV in the United States had highly diverse casts. A study looking at the share of nonwhite cast members in the annual top 100 debuts in the United States found that the number of titles with highly diverse casts had increased from **** titles in 2017 to *** in 2019.

Americans are spending more time than ever consuming media, with projections indicating a continued upward trend. In 2023, the average daily time spent with major media formats, including television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital platforms, reached ** hours and ** minutes. This figure is expected to surpass ** hours and ** minutes by 2026, highlighting the growing role of media in daily life. Digital media dominates consumption The increase in overall media consumption is largely driven by digital platforms. By 2025, U.S. consumers are anticipated to spend nearly * hours per day with digital media alone. This shift towards digital formats was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a sharp increase in the usage of streaming services and e-books. Today the digital media thrives because of mobile internet and smart TVs, and it is likely to continue on this path as consumers are still looking for ease of access and on-the-go experiences. Generational differences in media habits While television remains the primary device among the general population, younger demographics show different media device preferences. A March 2024 study revealed that ** percent of adults in the United States used mainly the TV for entertainment purposes. However, for those aged 18 to 34, smartphones were the primary device of choice. This generational divide in media consumption habits underscores the evolving landscape of entertainment and the growing importance of mobile devices in capturing younger audiences.

During the 2019 winter holiday season spanning from late October to early December, Amazon ranked first on a list of leading national TV advertisers in the U.S., having spent ** million U.S. dollars on TV ads in that period. At the same time Walmart's TV advertising expenses reached ** million U.S. dollars.

An April 2019 surveyed revealed that 16 percent of responding U.S. adults likely to subscribe to Disney+ would do so to replace what they currently have. However, almost double the share of respondents said the same about Apple TV+, with 30 percent saying they would subscribe to Apple's new streaming platform to replace their current service.

According to the most recent data, the share of subscription over-the-top (OTT) service users in the United States amounted to **** percent in 2019, more than half the U.S. population. The figure is expected to increase to **** percent by 2023 after increasingly incrementally over the coming years.