DOCSLIB.ORG

Online Video Streaming Business Report on Netflix

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix By Lev Williams Kevin Warnke Nate Loop Chris Hong Josh Sheline 1 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. HISTORY 5 3. OVERVIEW 8 4. TRENDS & CHALLENGES 14 5. EMPLOYMENT 24 6. FORECAST OF MAJOR ISSUES 33 7. CONCLUSION 42 8. WORKS CITED 45 2 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix Introduction + 3 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix 1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this report is to analyze the Online Video Streaming Industry, and specifically focus on the dominant service provider, Netflix. This business report will briefly discuss the history of the industry, an overview of the industry, expertly discuss the trends and challenges, observe the employment prospects and work environment, and give a forecast of the industries issues. While Online Video Streaming is clearly a new industry that has yet to mature, it has shown potential to completely change the way people traditionally view movies, and television shows. The first section of the report will discuss the history of how the industry started, and what significant events influenced Netflix’s decision to enter the online video streaming industry. Such events include the start of streaming with RealNetworks and the popularization by YouTube. The second section of the report will be a general overview of the industry, and discuss the key competitors in the industry. The overview will also discuss the exponential growth the industry has seen as well describe the impact that streaming has on people’s lives. The third section of the report will be the trends and challenges seen in the industry. This section will be exemplified by observing Netflix. Trends include global expansion efforts, subscriber growth, and the increasing amount bandwidth demanded by streaming. Challenges seen by Netflix include rising content costs, and increased competition. The fourth section of the report will discuss the employment prospects and work environment in the online streaming industry. This section will detail the problems of a rigid management structure in the online streaming industry, and attempt to support the argument for deregulation of employment policies. Again, Netflix will be the main research object. The fifth and final section of the report will be the Forecast of the Major Issues. Because online streaming is a relatively new industry and technology advances quickly, it is difficult to ascertain the path the industry will likely take in the future. The forecast will examine the options and possibilities that could transpire in the future. Our goal as a group is to analyze the online video streaming industry with an emphasis on Netflix. This analysis will provide valuable insight regarding the industry through an organized and effective manner. Through this business report, we hope to explain the major advantages and disadvantages regarding the industry, and provide further knowledge of the direction the industry is moving. 4 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix History 5 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix 2. HISTORY OF THE ONLINE VIDEO STREAMING INDUSTRY The very first instance of streamed audio over the internet occurred in a baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners in 1995 by the efforts of RealNetworks.1 The concept of streaming would evolve into becoming one the most perennial uses of the future. How the Online Streaming Industry Got Its Start The success of the online video streaming Industry has been influenced by many factors such as the popularization of YouTube as well as the convenience that it brings. The idea of using the Internet as a medium for videos has been immensely popularized by the success of YouTube. Founded in 2005 by former PayPal employees Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim, YouTube has significantly grown into being one of the most prominent websites today.2 Through simply streaming videos and posting them online, people were able to watch a plethora of content provided by users themselves. YouTube made users used to the idea of streaming content online and there was clearly much potential in online streaming for businesses.3 The online streaming industry was heavily influenced by the emergence of Videos on Demand, a strategy by cable companies to navigate the convergence of film, cable and the internet as a platform and revenue stream.4 Videos on Demand allowed users to watch movies from homes at the control of a remote, similar to the convenience of streaming movies and TV shows through the internet. Videos on Demand was a new model for home video and a new feature for cable subscribers, yet it did not find the level of success that the online streaming industry has found.5 The first significant use of the online streaming of TVs and Movies first occurred with Netflix in 2008. In that year, Netflix offered a service that streamed TV shows and videos online through Microsoft’s Silverlight.6 The company that initially offered DVDs through mail rose to prominence and paved the way for the distribution of content from TV shows 1 "RealNetworks, Inc." Fundinguniverse Website, http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company- histories/RealNetworks-Inc-Company-History.html?currentPage=all, accessed February 2012. 2 “History of YouTube,” Article Alley, March 31, 2010. http://artlaco.articlealley.com/history-of-youtube- 1482289.html, accessed February 2012. 3 Ozer, Jan. "Netflix Everywhere: Sorry Cable, You're History." Wired Magazine, http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/magazine/17-10/ff_netflix?currentPage=all, accessed February 2012. 4 Lucas Hildebrand, “The Art of Distribution: Video on Demand” Film Quarterly, Vol. 64, No. 2 (Winter 2010), pp. 24-28, via JSTOR, accessed February 2012. 5 Ibid. 6 Topolsky, Joshua, “Netflix Finally Brings Watch Instantly to Macs via Silverlight” Engadget, October 26, 2008, http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/26/netflix-finally-brings-watch-instantly-to-macs-via-silverlight/, accessed February 2012. 6 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix and movies through online streaming. online streaming quickly became a significant option of how TV Shows and Movies are now viewed today. Netflix pioneered the way Americans were accessing videos and movies through online streaming and reaped huge profits by doing so. Their move to start “Watch Instantly” proved to be extremely beneficial. In 2010 Netflix stock prices were at $175 a share from $29 in 2008.7 Netflix’s move into using online streaming as a major distribution of videos on demand was undoubtedly a key moment in the start of the online video streaming industry. Many companies such as Apple, Fandor, Best Buy, and Blockbuster quickly joined in hopes to achieve similar success. Companies such as Hulu emerged in hopes to compete in the trending industry. Through its relatively short history, it is clear that Netflix has dominated the online video streaming industry. However, with the increasing competition and upcoming challenges it faces, it will be interesting to see if there will be a dominant driver in the industry to shape its growing history. 7 Netflix, “Netflix’s Investors Relations – Historic Stocks Lookups,” Netflix Company website, http://ir.netflix.com/stocklookup.cfm, accessed February 2012. 7 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix Overview of the Industry 8 Analysis of the Online Video Streaming Industry with an Emphasis on Netflix 3. OVERVIEW OF THE ONLINE VIDEO STREAMING INDUSTRY The way movies, television, and music can be viewed, and listened to have literally changed in front of our eyes. The online streaming industry is currently evolving at a rapid pace, and shaking up the market shares of previously well established companies. We are currently living and experiencing the transformation into a digital age in which movies, television, music, photos, games, ‘apps’, and any other form of media can be downloaded directly to one’s computer, cellphone, or tablet. The online streaming industry is still considered a recent innovation in media consumption, and has expanded at an exponential pace. We will focus our research primarily on the online streaming of movies but will continue to research the entire industry, including, but not limited to, movies, television, and music. The online streaming industry has numerous competitors for each genre of digital media. However, we will focus our case study primarily on Netflix for the streaming of online movies and TV shows. Although we recognize that online streaming has other major contenders such as Hulu for online television, Amazon Prime for Movies, and YouTube for online music and miscellaneous content, we will concentrate predominantly on Netflix. The online streaming industry has had profound effects on: production companies, movie theaters, television stations, cable companies, record labels, and the manufacturers of DVD’s and CD’s. We will direct our attention to these effects, as well as the changes companies are making in order to keep up with online media and maintain their current market share. For example, Blockbuster’s shift online, and Redbox’s employee-less movie rental stalls. The online streaming industry is still expanding, and yet it is already enormous, almost beyond measurement. Less than ten years ago one would have to physically go to a movie theater or video rental shop, whereas presently one is able to stream any media imaginable from your computer or phone. This shift is quite a phenomenon. The streaming of media was recently seen as a luxury, yet is now critical to the success of a multitude of companies. Streaming media was once used solely for entertainment purposes, but is now seen as, “a vehicle for organizations to market, sell, and support their products and services, as well as for internal communications and training.”8 Streaming has become extremely important in regards to advertisers, as they can pay to play small clips of their product before or in between online content.
Recommended publications
  • Just How Nasty Were the Video Nasties? Identifying Contributors of the Video Nasty Moral Panic

    Just How Nasty Were the Video Nasties? Identifying Contributors of the Video Nasty Moral Panic

    Stephen Gerard Doheny Just how nasty were the video nasties? Identifying contributors of the video nasty moral panic in the 1980s DIPLOMA THESIS submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magister der Philosophie Programme: Teacher Training Programme Subject: English Subject: Geography and Economics Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt Evaluator Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jörg Helbig, M.A. Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik Klagenfurt, May 2019 i Affidavit I hereby declare in lieu of an oath that - the submitted academic paper is entirely my own work and that no auxiliary materials have been used other than those indicated, - I have fully disclosed all assistance received from third parties during the process of writing the thesis, including any significant advice from supervisors, - any contents taken from the works of third parties or my own works that have been included either literally or in spirit have been appropriately marked and the respective source of the information has been clearly identified with precise bibliographical references (e.g. in footnotes), - to date, I have not submitted this paper to an examining authority either in Austria or abroad and that - when passing on copies of the academic thesis (e.g. in bound, printed or digital form), I will ensure that each copy is fully consistent with the submitted digital version. I understand that the digital version of the academic thesis submitted will be used for the purpose of conducting a plagiarism assessment. I am aware that a declaration contrary to the facts will have legal consequences. Stephen G. Doheny “m.p.” Köttmannsdorf: 1st May 2019 Dedication I I would like to dedicate this work to my wife and children, for their support and understanding over the last six years.
  • Introduction to Innovation

    Introduction to Innovation

    DEMOCRATIZING IN THE AMERICAS Introduction to Innovation By: Shanae Owen Project Coordinator [email protected] Module 2: Types of Innovation Module 2 – Types Innovations (25 minutes) Types of innovation o -Incremental & Disruptive o -Definition and characteristics Innovation Case Studies - Incremental - Coca Cola (International Example) - Grace (Local Example) o Activity #2: Identifying Incremental Innovations Innovation Case Studies -Disruptive - Netflix vs Blockbuster - Encyclopedia vs Wikipedia o Activity #3: Identifying Disruptive Innovations Module 2 Description In module 2 of the Introduction to Innovation Course, students will explore the 2 main types of innovation currently shaping the world, that is Incremental and Disruptive innovations. Students will also be taken through a series of Jamaican and international examples of these main types of innovations. This module will end with brief case studies of both Incremental and Disruptive innovations. Incremental Innovation is……………. A series of small improvements to an existing product or product line that usually helps maintain or improve its competitive position over time. Incremental innovation is regularly used within the high technology business by companies that need to continue to improve their products to include new features increasingly desired by consumers. -The Business Directory Characteristics of incremental innovation (Product or service) This type of innovation is about improving on the existing It concentrates on solving or responding to the needs of the customer
  • Low-Cost Filmmaking Puts Creative Pursuits Within Reach,Big Screen

    Low-Cost Filmmaking Puts Creative Pursuits Within Reach,Big Screen

    Big Screen Terror We asked local cult movie cinema club Dreadphile to share a list of films they think every horror fan should see. As Halloween approaches and brings out the horror fan in us all, we suggest you lock the doors, turn on the lights, settle down in front of one of these flicks and prepare to be deliciously frightened. Haunted Houses The Changeling (1980) House (1986) The Innocents (1961) Fun with Cults The Beyond (1981) The House of the Devil (2009) Rosemary’s Baby (1968) Foreign Fright Let the Right One In (2008 – Sweden) Thirst (2008 – S. Korea) Cronos (1993 – Mexico) Audition (1998 – Japan) Zombies Pontypool (2009) Night of the Creeps (1986) Zombi 2 (1979) Fun Slashers Behind the Mask: Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) Tucker and Dale Versus Evil (2010) Cabin in the Woods (2011) The Thirds Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) Exorcist III (1990) Army of Darkness (1992) Check out one of Dreadphiles’ screening events this month. Halloween III: Season of the Witch: The Halloween movie without Michael Myers, Columbus Theatre, Oct 24, 8pm; Cathy’s Curse: A ’70s low- budget Canadian mashup of The Exorcist, Carrie and The Omen, Acoustic Java Cafe & Microcinema, Oct 26, 8pm; Dreadphile Yellow: A double-feature of essential Italian slasher films, Courtland Club, Oct 28, 7pm. For more, dreadphile.com Run, Charlie! Newport, 1929. Charlie Travers is the state’s leading prohibition rumrunner, bringing more than $500,000 of hooch, booze and liquor on each trip; $5 million in today’s money. A Robin Hood-type hero to the locals, Travers and his crew defied the odds and ran a pulsing enterprise across southern New England in the early part of the prohibition-era.
  • Netflix and the Development of the Internet Television Network

    Netflix and the Development of the Internet Television Network

    Syracuse University SURFACE Dissertations - ALL SURFACE May 2016 Netflix and the Development of the Internet Television Network Laura Osur Syracuse University Follow this and additional works at: https://surface.syr.edu/etd Part of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Osur, Laura, "Netflix and the Development of the Internet Television Network" (2016). Dissertations - ALL. 448. https://surface.syr.edu/etd/448 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the SURFACE at SURFACE. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations - ALL by an authorized administrator of SURFACE. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Abstract When Netflix launched in April 1998, Internet video was in its infancy. Eighteen years later, Netflix has developed into the first truly global Internet TV network. Many books have been written about the five broadcast networks – NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, and the CW – and many about the major cable networks – HBO, CNN, MTV, Nickelodeon, just to name a few – and this is the fitting time to undertake a detailed analysis of how Netflix, as the preeminent Internet TV networks, has come to be. This book, then, combines historical, industrial, and textual analysis to investigate, contextualize, and historicize Netflix's development as an Internet TV network. The book is split into four chapters. The first explores the ways in which Netflix's development during its early years a DVD-by-mail company – 1998-2007, a period I am calling "Netflix as Rental Company" – lay the foundations for the company's future iterations and successes. During this period, Netflix adapted DVD distribution to the Internet, revolutionizing the way viewers receive, watch, and choose content, and built a brand reputation on consumer-centric innovation.
  • Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy Task • Current & Anticipated Impact on Funding Streams

    Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy Task • Current & Anticipated Impact on Funding Streams

    Arts, Culture, and Heritage Strategy (ACHS) November 2020 www.ci.wilsonville.or.us/achs Arts, Culture, and Heritage Strategy (ACHS) November 2020 Bill Flood Sydney Fort Consultant Graphic Designer Community Development and Cultural Planning sydneyfort.com billfl ood.org bill@billfl ood.org Cover photos, from top left to bottom right: A performer acting as a statue attracts attention at the annual Wilsonville Festival of Arts produced by the Wilsonville Arts & Culture Council in Town Center Park. Credit: City of Wilsonville. “Let's Dance,” a metal human sculpture by Jim M. Johnson located at the Wilsonville Transit Center. Credit: City of Wilsonville. Regina Wollrabe, “Cha Cha the Clown,” poses with Theonie Gilmour, a founder and past executive director of Wilsonville Arts & Culture Council. Credit: City of Wilsonville. Mark Ottenad ACHS Project Manager Historic McMenamins Wilsonville Old Church & Pub, formerly the United Methodist Church built in 1911. Credit: Eddie Gao. Public/Government Aff airs Director City of Wilsonville Family Memorial Park dock on the Willamette River Andrea Robert Holmes for the Explore Wilsonville Program. Credit: Andrea Johnson for the Explore Wilsonville program. 29799 SW Town Center Loop E Middleground Farms near Wilsonville hosts residents and visitors for farm-to-table cooking Wilsonville, OR 97070 experiences. Credit: Andrea Johnson for the Explore Wilsonville program. publicaff [email protected] www.ci.wilsonville.or.us/achs City Council Mayor Tim Knapp Padmanabhan (PK) Melethil Council President Kristin
  • The Illusion of Choice: Parallels Between the Home Cinema Industry of the 1980S and Modern Streaming Services

    The Illusion of Choice: Parallels Between the Home Cinema Industry of the 1980S and Modern Streaming Services

    International Journal of Media, Journalism and Mass Communications (IJMJMC) Volume 5, Issue 4, 2019, PP 01-08 ISSN 2454-9479 http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2454-9479.0504001 www.arcjournals.org The Illusion of Choice: Parallels between the Home Cinema Industry of the 1980s and Modern Streaming Services Adam L. Miller* Aichi Shukutoku University, Aichi Pref, Sakuragaoka Ward 23, Nagoya City, Japan *Corresponding Author: Adam L. Miller, Aichi Shukutoku University, Aichi Pref, Sakuragaoka Ward 23, Nagoya City, Japan Abstract: This research article hopes to look at the prolific rise of VHS and home cinema in the 1980s; how it altered the viewing experiences of film-lovers, how the industry adapted to accommodate to this new market and how these viewing habits that started decades ago, still resonate today. The article will be drawing parallels between the VHS based home cinema of the 1980s to the subscription based streaming applications which are prolific today, using Netflix Inc. as the main point of focus. Keywords: “Film Studies;” “VHS;” “Home Cinema;” “Streaming” “Netflix;” 1. INTRODUCTION The article will go on to explore how the sudden emergence of home cinema in the 1980s allowed viewers to explore films, genres, filmmakers and content that is often referred to as „world cinema‟ that they may have otherwise been unaware of. It will be argued that streaming services have the same potential to expose viewers to a wide variety of content, but this potential may not be being fulfilled, as it is not in the best interests of streaming services to have viewers searching through unfamiliar territory.
  • INFORMATION to USERS the Most Advanced Technology Has Been Used to Photo­ Graph and Reproduce This Manuscript from the Microfilm Master

    INFORMATION to USERS the Most Advanced Technology Has Been Used to Photo­ Graph and Reproduce This Manuscript from the Microfilm Master

    INFORMATION TO USERS The most advanced technology has been used to photo­ graph and reproduce this manuscript from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are re­ produced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand corner and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. These are also available as one exposure on a standard 35mm slide or as a 17" x 23" black and white photographic print for an additional charge. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. University Microfilms International A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 Order Number 8913647 Competition and acculturation: VCRs and CATV uses among Koreans in the Columbus area Han, Gwang-Jub, Ph.D.
  • Media Leadership Conference Presented By

    Media Leadership Conference Presented By

    2014 ANA Media Leadership Conference presented by March 30–April 1 | Boca Raton Resort & Club | Boca Raton, Fla. Download the ANA mobile app — e.ana.net We’ll be live tweeting throughout the conference (@ANAMarketers), as well as posting photos and other information at facebook.com/ANA. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #ANAmedia. www.ana.net Table of Contents 2014 ANA Media Leadership Conference presented by Google Agenda ............................................................................ pg 3 Speaker Bios .................................................................... pg 7 Attendee List ..................................................................pg 15 ANA Member Benefits .................................................... pg 29 Sponsor Information ....................................................... pg 33 www.ana.net 1 Agenda 2014 ANA Media Leadership Conference presented by Google SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2014 Opening Night Dinner (8:00 p.m.) MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 Sponsored by MailOnline Registrations Opens (3:00 p.m.) Breakfast (7:30 a.m.) DIGITAL PUBLISHING: Sponsored by NUVOtv Pre-Conference Session (4:00 p.m.) GETTING IT RIGHT Rich Sutton, Chief Revenue Officer for General Session (8:30 a.m.) MEASURING ROI OF TV ADVERTISING MailOnline, will discuss top trends in digital publishing today and discuss WELCOME In an ever-connected world, more how MailOnline is driving unique value people are watching more television, and Craig Geller for its advertising partners. Topics like national advertisers continue
  • Recent Antitrust Issues in Distribution of Dvds

    Recent Antitrust Issues in Distribution of Dvds

    DISTRIBUTION THE NEWSLETTER OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND FRANCHISING COMMITTEE Antitrust Section — American Bar Association Vol. 15, No. 1 — January 2011 In this Issue Message from the Chair . 1 Mobile Advertising: An Economic Perspective . 3 Recent Antitrust Issues in Distribution of DVDs . 9 Online Distribution in the EU: The New Rules on Vertical Restraints and their Implications for Internet Retailing Across the Atlantic . 12 Distribution and Franchising Committee:• ABA•Section of Antitrust Law Recent Antitrust Issues in Distribution of DVDs Howard Marvel and Kivanc Kirgiz 1 Introduction continually attempting to protect their own window from being shortened, even as all but the first-release Motion picture studios have long supplied movies to theaters argue that the start date of their particular consumers through an elaborate system of distribution window should be moved earlier. “windows” in which consumers pay lower rates per viewing as the time from a movie’s initial release Traditionally, motion pictures were first released through increases. This system allows studios to charge different theaters, where the average price of admission was $7.85 prices to consumers through different distribution during the first three quarters of 2010. 2 Roughly four channels depending on their preferences for watching months after the theatrical release, the video-release movies close to their release date. Such legal price window opened with movies being made available for discrimination permits the studios to maximize the value sale or rental in DVD or Blu-ray Disc format. Still later, of their copyrighted content and provides financial movies were released to video on demand, “premium” incentives to produce and market new movies.
  • Reply Comments by QUEBECOR MEDIA INC. June 27, 2007

    Reply Comments by QUEBECOR MEDIA INC. June 27, 2007

    Reply Comments by QUEBECOR MEDIA INC. To Industry Canada As part of the Consultation Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-002-07, "Consultation on a Framework to Auction Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range including Advanced Wireless Services" June 27, 2007 Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary..................................................................................................... 4 2. The upcoming spectrum auction: a call for action from Canada’s government to ensure entry by new mobile carriers.......................................................................... 11 2.1 The need for special measures and a set aside............................................... 17 2.2 If no set aside for new entrants, hoarding spectrum by incumbent mobilecarriers will become a major pastime ................................................. 19 2.3 The future of Canada’s competitiveness in mobile is at stake, not the past! . 22 2.4 The presence of MVNOs and resellers does not make the Canadian market competitive; the actual level of success (or lack thereof) achieved does matter ........................................................................................................................ 23 2.5 The last chance for facilities based entry but not for incumbent mobile carriers............................................................................................................ 26 2.6 The critical requirements for the spectrum auctions to be a success for all Canadians......................................................................................................
  • Empirical Analysis of Retail Competition: Spatial Differentiation at Wal-Mart, Amazon.Com, and Their Competitors

    Empirical Analysis of Retail Competition: Spatial Differentiation at Wal-Mart, Amazon.Com, and Their Competitors

    Empirical Analysis of Retail Competition: Spatial Differentiation at Wal-Mart, Amazon.com, and Their Competitors Lesley Chiou [Job Market Paper] February 1, 2005 Abstract This paper quantifies the degree of competition and spatial differentiation across different retail channels by exploiting a unique dataset that describes a consumer’s choice of store, product of purchase, item price, and demographics. For each household, I collect information on the location and distance of nearby stores. Then I estimate a consumer’s choice of retailer in the sales market for DVDs among online, mass merchant, electronics, video specialty, and music stores. Using a discrete choice model, I allow for unobserved heterogeneity in preferences for store types and disutility of travel. A consumer’s traveling cost varies by income, and substitution occurs proportionately more among stores of the same type. Conditional on price and distance, the average consumer still prefers Wal-Mart over most other stores. In addition, consumers’ shopping patterns across store types vary significantly by gender, education, and the presence of children. * I would like to thank Glenn Ellison, Nancy Rose, Paul Joskow, and Sara Fisher Ellison for advice and helpful suggestions. This paper has benefited from conversations with Emek Basker, Melissa Boyle, Norma Coe, Jerry Hausman, Joanna Lahey, Allison McKie, Erich Muehlegger, Aviv Nevo, Whitney Newey, Kenneth Train, Joan Walker, Birger Wernerfelt, and participants of the MIT Industrial Organization Workshop and Econometrics Lunch. I am particularly grateful to Alexander and Associates for allowing me access to the data used in this study; I would also like to extend my thanks to Adams Media Research and Tax Data Systems.
  • Protection of Minors and Audiovisual Content On-Demand

    Protection of Minors and Audiovisual Content On-Demand

    Legal Information Services from the European Audiovisual Observatory Protection of Minors Order: and Audiovisual Content • online at http://www.obs.coe.int/about/order • by email: [email protected] • by fax: +33 (0) 3 90 21 60 19 20126 On-Demand IRIS Newsletter The IRIS Newsletter is a topical and reliable monthly information service covering all legal developments in Europe relating to the audiovisual sector. IRIS covers all areas of law relevant LEAD ARTICLE Legal Observations to the audiovisual sector. The main emphasis of the IRIS articles is on legal developments in of the European Audiovisual the fi fty or so countries that make up greater Europe. IRIS reports on media legislation in the The Protection of Minors in the Case Observatory broadest sense, as well as major developments in case law, important administrative decisions, of New (Non-Linear) Media and policy decisions which will potentially affect legislation in this fi eld. European Legal Rules and their National Transposition and Application Online, free of charge! A free subscription and the complete IRIS newsletter are available from the IRIS website: http://merlin.obs.coe.int/newsletter.php Background and challenges EU legal rules on youth protection IRIS plus Legal, technological or economic developments in the audiovisual sector generate immediate The treatment of on-demand audiovisual services in national law priority information needs for professionals. IRIS plus identifi es these issues and provides the and the relevant youth protection systems A legal hot topic examined relevant legal background. It features a combination of a lead article, related reporting and from different angles a Zoom section, comprising overview tables, market data or practical information.