Pay TV and OTT video in North America: satellite players will survive cord-cutting if they evolve

The pay-TV market in North America is in freefall: traditional pay-TV retail revenue fell by USD6.2 billion in 2018 to USD105.2 billion and will fall by a further USD17.7 billion by 2023. The impact of OTT video substitution ('cord-cutting') on traditional pay-TV is driven by its lower price but also by the increased flexibility that OTT video services gives consumers. This comment presents Analysys Mason's forecasts for pay TV and OTT video in North America and explores future strategic options for satellite players.