• by Wayne Friedman , March 21, 2018

Major TV broadcast network-based groups command the top spots among consumers among new “skinny” live/on-demand TV services.

Asked to choose five network groups, broadcast network groups were led by NBCUniversal -- which was selected 48% of the time -- followed by Fox at 41%; Disney/ABC (without ESPN), at 41%; and CBS, at 38%, according to media research company The Diffusion Group.

Cable network group Turner tied CBS at 38%, followed by A+E Networks, at 37%; HBO, at 36%; Discovery, at 34%; AMC Networks, at 28%; Viacom, at 24%; ESPN, at 22%; and Scripps Networks, at 21%.

The research company noted that ESPN’s lower-ranking reflects Walt Disney's positive decision to start an OTT live direct-to-consumer service, ESPN+.

The study recently surveyed 2,030 broadband-connected consumers to choose five network groups they would prefer to have included in a five-group skinny live OTT TV service. Respondents could see channels included in each network group before selecting.

Although live viewing is falling, consumers still place high value in big broadcast viewing, per the research group..