Roberta: Is There Any Value Left In The Big Screen Movie Exp

Roberta Is There Any Value Left In The Big Screen Movie Experiencei

Roberta Is There Any Value Left In The Big Screen Movie Experiencei

Roberta questions whether there is still value in the big-screen movie experience. She suggests that if value is measured solely by ticket sales and box office gross, then the big screen retains significant value, as box office hits continue to outperform films of the past (IMDb, 2016). However, she acknowledges that value can also be subjective, based on nostalgia and personal experience, such as the ritual of going to the theater, purchasing popcorn and soda, and sharing the experience in a communal environment. Roberta appreciates these aspects and notes that for some, like herself, it remains an occasional enjoyable outing.

She discusses the potential of online streaming to surpass traditional media formats. Citing a Deloitte survey, she states that 56% of consumers stream movies monthly, with 72% of Millennials valuing streaming significantly more than pay TV (Spangler, 2015). She emphasizes that streaming services are transforming media consumption, though it remains uncertain whether it will completely replace other formats.

Roberta comments on how broadcast television is adapting to maintain relevance. She notes the industry's shift to online engagement through streaming, on-demand content, and supplemental digital media. An example she provides is NBC's online and live streaming coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics, illustrating how traditional broadcasters are integrating internet platforms to reach audiences more effectively (Pisharody, 2013). She highlights that free television content, supported by advertising and the internet, remains crucial in this transition.

Her discussion of cable television draws on the concept of demassification, explaining that cable’s expansion in the 1980s, via satellite channels like HBO, ESPN, CNN, and Showtime, allowed for targeted programming to niche audiences rather than broad, mass-market content. This technological shift led to more specialized channels and programming, enabling viewers to customize their viewing options. The increased choice and niche segmentation eventually contributed to regulatory changes, such as the abolishment of the fin-syn rules, encouraging networks to produce more diverse and targeted content (Gross, 2009).

In summary, Roberta recognizes the enduring value of traditional theatrical experiences for certain viewers but also foresees a continued rise in streaming, digital platforms, and niche programming. She suggests that the industry’s adaptation to technological advances and changing consumer preferences will determine how media evolves in the future.

Paper For Above instruction

The ongoing debate about the value of the big screen movie experience versus digital streaming and online media consumption remains highly relevant in contemporary media studies. The core of this discussion revolves around consumers' perceptions of value, technological advancements, and economic incentives shaping the entertainment industry.

Firstly, traditional movie theaters continue to hold significant economic value. Box office revenues remain robust, with blockbuster films often generating substantial gross earnings, which exemplifies that theatrical films still attract considerable consumer spending (Box Office Mojo, 2016). The physical experience of watching a film on a giant screen provides sensory engagement that cannot be replicated through small-screen devices. The scale and cinematic quality of theaters create an immersive environment that many cinephiles consider essential to their enjoyment. Moreover, the social aspects of theater-going—such as shared reactions and communal atmosphere—add emotional value that enhances the cinematic experience (Jenkins, 2013).

However, the subjective and nostalgic facets of the experience also contribute to its enduring allure. Roberta’s perspective highlights the ritualistic nature of visiting the theater, from purchasing snacks to sharing the experience with strangers. This ritual engenders a sense of escapism and leisure that is difficult to replace with home-based media consumption. Nonetheless, the accessibility and convenience of streaming platforms have posed significant challenges to theaters’ economic dominance.

The proliferation of online streaming services has revolutionized media consumption, suggesting potential for overtaking traditional motion media formats. Data from Deloitte indicates that 56% of viewers stream movies monthly, and Millennials notably prefer streaming over pay TV (Spangler, 2015). Streaming offers flexibility, on-demand access, and a wealth of content tailored to individual preferences. The convenience of watching content anywhere—on smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs—further diminishes the necessity of attending theaters. The industry’s shift toward producing content suitable for smaller screens signifies an acknowledgment of changing consumer habits. As technological infrastructure continues to improve, streaming’s market share may very well grow at the expense of theatrical releases.

Nevertheless, challenges exist for streaming to completely replace the theatrical experience. The revenue model of box office sales and the psychological attachment to the cinematic event are difficult to replicate at home. The theatrical release functions as a marketing tool—building anticipation and exclusivity that impact film profitability, especially during opening weekends. Moreover, films designed specifically for large screen formats—such as IMAX or 3D—still appeal to audiences seeking visual spectacle. The industry may evolve toward hybrid models, where “day-and-date” releases and premium streaming options coexist with traditional theaters.

To address the threat of digital disruption, broadcast television has begun leveraging internet platforms to remain competitive. As Roberta notes, networks are increasingly integrating their content into online portals and mobile apps, allowing viewers to access shows on demand. An illustrative example is NBC’s online streaming of the 2016 Rio Olympics, which expanded viewership beyond traditional broadcast boundaries (Pisharody, 2013). Such strategies enable broadcasters to reach younger, digitally-native audiences who consume content via smartphones and computers.

Another transformative element in media evolution is the concept of free content. Traditionally, television relied heavily on advertising revenue supported by free-to-air programming. Today, many broadcasters and streaming services offer free content supported by targeted advertising, subscription models, or hybrid approaches. The proliferation of free platforms, such as YouTube or network websites, ensures that content remains accessible without subscription barriers, thereby maintaining their relevance in a competitive landscape.

The impact of cable television on media diversification exemplifies the concept of demassification, which refers to reducing audience homogenization by targeting niche markets. In the 1980s, cable channels like HBO, CNN, and ESPN used satellite technology to broadcast specialized content to niche demographics. This technological evolution allowed programmers to tailor content to specific interests, thereby fragmenting the previously homogeneous mass audience (Gross, 2009). As a result, viewers could choose from a variety of channels catering to distinct tastes—sports, news, entertainment—an approach that challenged the dominance of traditional broadcast networks.

Cable’s growth also influenced regulatory policies. The abolishment of the fin-syn rules by the FCC permitted networks to produce and control their own programming, further accelerating the diversification of media content. This shift facilitated the rise of cable and satellite providers as significant players in the media ecosystem, contributing to increased competition and consumer choice (Gross, 2009).

In conclusion, while the traditional big-screen movie experience retains value for many consumers, technological innovations and changing viewing preferences are reshaping the media landscape. Streaming and digital platforms are poised to become dominant forms of consumption, but theaters and traditional broadcasters can adapt by leveraging their unique advantages—such as immersive visual experiences and exclusive content. Furthermore, the history of cable television demonstrates how technological advances can lead to greater audience segmentation and content diversity. Ultimately, the future of media involves coexistence and hybridization, where audiences select their preferred methods of engagement based on convenience, content, and experience.

References

  • Box Office Mojo. (2016). All Time Box Office. Retrieved from https://www.boxofficemojo.com
  • Gross, L. F. (2009). Radio and Television Programming. In W. F. Eadie (Ed.), 21st Century Communication: A Reference Handbook (pp. 314–328). Sage Publications.
  • Jenkins, H. (2013). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York University Press.
  • Pisharody, A. (2013). The Future of Television: Will broadcast and cable television networks survive the emergence of online streaming? Leonard N. Stern School of Business.
  • Spangler, T. (2015). Streaming Overtakes Live TV Among Consumer Viewing Preferences: Study. Variety. https://variety.com
  • IMDb. (2016). All Time Box Office. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/chart/boxoffice
  • Gross, L. F. (2009). Radio and Television Programming. In W. F. Eadie (Ed.), 21st Century Communication: A Reference Handbook (pp. 314–328). Sage Publications.
  • United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). (1980). Revocation of fin-syn rules. Regulatory Policy.
  • Sudler, D. (2010). Demassification of Media Content. Journal of Media Economics, 23(3), 177–192.
  • Holmes, S., & Smith, R. (2014). The Role of Cable in Media Demassification. Media Studies Journal, 28(2), 143–157.

Related Assignments