
TORONTO — Although some would argue mobile devices and digital platforms have isolated and divided us like no other force before, this year’s trends report from the Canada Media Fund explores whether audiovisual content could bring us closer and interactive experiences, unite us.
“Togetherness may not be outright associated with technology as we have come to experience it, but this is what seems to be taking over,” said Catherine Mathys, CMF’s director of industry and market trends and co-author of the report, in the news release. “Digital platforms are now venues where youth gather to consume content, create their own and share it with each other. Content distribution platforms are therefore engaged in a fierce competition to draw audiences, young and old, eager to access cultural products online. Whatever the outcome, finding the quickest and easiest way to connect with one another remains the name of the game for consumers and creators will continue adapting to this reality.”
The CMF 2020 Trends Report, entitled Closer, Wider, Faster, provides an in-depth analysis of the current trends affecting the screen-based industry in Canada and around the world. In the report, the CMF examines how different types of content harness consumers’ appetite for mobility in order to reach growing audiences. It provides statistics related to development of the Canadian industry and a trends analysis divided into four chapters.
Those four chapters include:
–Screen-based industries in the 5G era: An overview of the impending technological breakthroughs and their potential impact on the production and distribution of media content. What business opportunities is 5G opening for content creators, producers and distributors? This chapter looks at how 5G could impact field production and broadcasting, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and cloud gaming.
–Where the kids hang out: An analysis of three 21st-century “digital social spaces”, where creative content is playing a key role: electronic sports (esports) platforms, TikTok, and the upcoming digital Metaverse.
–Diversification brings about change: As they continue to expand their footprint, digital giants such as Google, Apple and Spotify are out to conquer new content territories, disrupting the business models of incumbents. How will those models adjust and evolve? This chapter looks into two sectors that are coveted by digital juggernauts: gaming and podcasting.
–Bundling 2.0: Brace yourself for more choice in streaming services in the next year. Many new direct-to-consumer platforms are entering the digital content market, including some major players. Content producers stand to benefit, but will consumers begin to feel overwhelmed? For many in the media industries, it’s time to rethink — and rebundle — the online content experience. Included in this chapter is an analysis of the market in India.
CMF Trends reports are published yearly in English and French. They can be viewed on CMF Trends, along with a range of research reports published, curated and supported by the CMF.