Here's what Netflix is predicting about the future of TV

The future of TV is being disrupted and Netflix is the chief disruptor

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

a woman

The word 'disruption' is often thrown around these days to describe what the latest flash in the pan tech startup is doing to change the world as we know it.

Whilst buzzwords such as disruption can often be met with cynicism, they are buzzwords for a reason. That's because there are companies out there that are redefining how business is done and how we experience the world.

One such company, of course, is Netflix, a part of the popular FAANG stocks along with Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and Google.

Netflix released its Q3 results yesterday and the release contained their views on the competitive landscape within the entertainment industry and how this is evolving.

I was curious to read this and understand what it means for companies such as Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)Fairfax Media Limited (ASX: FXJ) and Village Roadshow Ltd (ASX: VRL).

Netflix's view is pretty clear. The future of TV is in broadcasting live sports and news. Everything else is fair game and could end up on 'on-demand' streaming platforms such as Netflix.

The announcement said, "Within linear TV, New Fox appears to have a great strategy, which is to focus on large simultaneous-viewing sports and news. These content areas are not transformed by on-demand viewing and personalization in the way that TV series and movies are, so they are more resistant to the rise of the internet. Other linear networks are likely to follow this model over time."

Foolish Takeaway

I'm not big on predictions and who knows, Netflix could be completely wrong. What I do like, however, is their long-term thinking of what the world will look like in the future and the steps they take daily to shape that future.

If you can invest in a portfolio of companies run by management teams with that kind of thinking, then I think you will do well.

If you are looking for your own disruptors listed on the ASX, then you will want to read about these three.

Kevin Gandiya owns shares of Alphabet (C shares), Apple, and Facebook. You can find Kevin on Twitter @KevinGandiya. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has the following options: long January 2020 $150 calls on Apple and short January 2020 $155 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet (A shares), Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Netflix. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

A man with a beard and wearing dark sunglasses and a beanie head covering raises a fist in happy celebration as he sits at is computer in a home environment.
Share Market News

ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates

A strong technology sector turnaround in the Australian and US markets began on 31 March.

Read more »

A surprised man sits at his desk in his study staring at his computer screen with his hands up.
Technology Shares

Which ASX 200 tech stock has Bell Potter just downgraded?

The broker thinks its shares are fairly valued now after rebounding strongly.

Read more »

Hologram of a man next to a human robot, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Technology Shares

The tech rally is back: here are 5 ASX shares leading the charge

The rally’s staying power hinges on earnings and market conditions.

Read more »

Woman on her phone with diagrams of tech sector related elements linking with each other.
Technology Shares

Why I think these ASX tech stocks are strong buys

As AI concerns ripple through the market, some ASX tech companies may be better positioned than they first appear.

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Technology Shares

Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says

Strong demand has the potential to boost these shares higher.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Technology Shares

Looking for another DroneShield? Check out this buy-rated ASX defence stock

Bell Potter is bullish on this exciting company. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A woman smiles over the top of multiple shopping bags she is holding in both hands up near her face.
Technology Shares

Zip Co posts record cash EBTDA and upgrades FY26 guidance

Zip Co upgrades full-year cash EBTDA guidance after reporting strong 3Q26 results with record profitability and continued customer growth.

Read more »

A woman nervously crosses her fingers, indicating hope for positive share price movement
Technology Shares

Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?

ASX 200 tech shares fell 48% between 29 August and 30 March. Here comes the rebound!

Read more »