Pay TV's Demise Exaggerated: Subs Up 6.3%

According to the quarterly Multiscreen Index published by informitv, the number of homes worldwide paying to watch television continues to rise, despite a popular view that people are turning to online alternatives.

The index indicates an overall increase in the digital subscriber numbers of 100 leading pay TV services around the world, across the board, by region or mode of delivery, with a 6.3% increase in subscribers in a year.

• The greatest growth is in developing regions, but even established markets like the United States show annual and quarterly gains.
• Services delivered by satellite, cable and telephone lines are all gaining subscribers, with telco providers among the leaders.
• 60% of pay TV services in the index now deliver to multiple screens other than a traditional TV, including smartphones, tablets and other network-connected devices.