Terrestrial broadcast series have long been established as mainstream TV shows, produced and broadcast through major network broadcasting stations. In contrast, online services are digitally distributed streaming platforms, with global streaming giants, Watcha, and domestic platforms being representative examples. As media consumption habits evolve, competition between network-produced series and OTT services has become fierce. Consequently, each platform is creating unique content and employing adaptive strategies to maintain relevance.
Differentiation Strategies of Terrestrial Dramas
Terrestrial dramas focus on providing productions with broad audience reach while maintaining classic narrative structures. In particular, they actively highlight star actors to boost ratings and produce dramas that capture check here the interest of a wide range of age groups, thereby securing a loyal audience. Additionally, leveraging their decades of industry presence and network legacy, they continue to present familiar content, ensuring reliable audience numbers. This allows audiences to have multiple options to engage with network television through various mediums.
Differentiation Strategies of OTT Services
OTT providers are expanding their market by employing tactics distinct from traditional terrestrial broadcasting. Firstly, they actively embrace new genres and innovative storytelling, prioritizing artistic direction and artistry over mass appeal. Secondly, they provide customized programming that aligns with specific interests, targeting niche audiences. Lastly, they focus on producing international releases aimed at the worldwide audience, allowing them to attract subscribers not only within their region but also across different cultures. Through these strategies, OTT services are strengthening their competitiveness in ways unlike legacy channels.
Competition and Collaboration Between Platforms
As terrestrial broadcasters increasingly expand into the digital entertainment industry, competition has intensified. For instance, one of Korea’s leading networks and a long-established broadcaster operate their own OTT services, 'KBSon' and 'wavve', respectively, providing their existing produced series on internet-based distribution channels. This effort helps preserve the market presence of legacy networks while expanding their digital reach. Meanwhile, the emergence of alternative digital platforms is reshaping viewing habits towards more user-controlled content access.
Conversely, streaming providers are also solidifying their influence by collaborating with legacy content producers. Netflix has gained worldwide success with K-content hits like 'Squid Game' and 'Hellbound', leveraging the drama production capabilities of Korean TV networks. This strategic alliance helps both parties complement each other’s strengths, fostering a diverse storytelling landscape. As a result, the distinction between traditional and modern media continue to fade.
Ultimately, legacy TV series and OTT services are both fighting for dominance and working together through their respective unique approaches. network-produced content maintain established storytelling and mass appeal, whereas OTT services provide genre-defying and internationally appealing content. As strategic partnerships and merging between these platforms continue to develop, audiences can expect a more diverse and enriched media landscape in the future.