TV & Streaming: Why the Merger Myth Is Wrong

Here’s the truth: the future of shows is shrouded in more misinformation than a late-night infomercial. Everyone has an opinion, but few have the data to back it up. Are linear TV and streaming destined for a head-on collision, or will they find a way to coexist?

Myth #1: Linear TV Is Dead

The misconception is that traditional broadcast television is on its last legs, about to be completely replaced by streaming services.

That’s simply not true. While linear TV viewership has declined, it’s far from extinct. Look at live events: the Super Bowl, the Olympics, even local Atlanta Falcons games still draw massive audiences to broadcast networks. According to Nielsen, live sports accounted for a significant portion of linear TV viewership in 2025, and that trend is expected to continue. Plus, local news still thrives on linear channels. People in neighborhoods like Buckhead and Midtown tune in to WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News for up-to-the-minute reports on traffic along I-85 and breaking stories. While cord-cutting is a real phenomenon, the death of linear TV has been greatly exaggerated. As we’ve seen, TV isn’t dead yet.

Myth #2: Streaming Services Will All Consolidate Into One Super-Platform

The idea that all the major streaming services will eventually merge into a single, all-encompassing platform is a popular one.

While some consolidation is likely (we’ve already seen mergers and acquisitions in the streaming space), a single super-platform is highly improbable. Antitrust concerns, for one, would make such a merger difficult to achieve. More importantly, consumers value choice. People want to be able to pick and choose the services that best fit their interests and budgets. We see this reflected in the current trend of bundling, where companies like Verizon and T-Mobile offer discounted access to multiple streaming services. I had a client last year who was convinced that everything would be on one platform soon, but when I showed them the data on consumer preferences and the regulatory hurdles, they understood why a single super-platform is unlikely. If you’re curious about similar shifts in the news landscape, consider how news audiences are evolving.

Myth #3: AI Will Replace Human Storytellers

Many fear that artificial intelligence will soon be writing and directing our favorite shows, rendering human creatives obsolete.

AI will undoubtedly play a bigger role in content creation, but it won’t replace human storytellers. AI can assist with tasks like script analysis, generating different versions of scenes, and even creating special effects. However, it lacks the emotional intelligence, creativity, and nuanced understanding of human experience that are essential for compelling storytelling. AI can analyze data to predict what audiences might like, but it can’t replicate the spark of originality that comes from a human artist. Here’s what nobody tells you: AI can mimic, but it can’t truly create. To understand how these trends impact artist recognition, see why these artists are trending.

Myth #4: Interactive Shows Will Become the Norm

The belief is that all future shows will be interactive, allowing viewers to make choices that influence the plot and outcome.

While interactive content has its place, it won’t become the dominant form of entertainment. Interactivity can be engaging, but it also requires more effort from the viewer. Sometimes, people just want to sit back and passively enjoy a story without having to make decisions. Think about it: after a long day at work, dealing with the never-ending traffic on GA-400, do you really want to have to actively participate in your evening entertainment? Plus, creating high-quality interactive shows is significantly more expensive and complex than producing traditional content.

Myth #5: All Shows Will Be Short-Form Content

The assumption is that attention spans are shrinking, and therefore, all future shows will be short-form videos designed for mobile devices.

Short-form content certainly has its appeal, particularly for younger audiences on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. However, long-form content still thrives. Look at the success of prestige dramas on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. People are still willing to invest their time in compelling stories, regardless of length. What matters most is the quality of the content, not its duration. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm when advising a small production company: they were convinced they needed to pivot entirely to short-form content, but our research showed that their target audience still craved longer, more in-depth stories. For forgotten favorites, see why niche fans keep the flame alive.

As a media consultant working with entertainment companies here in Atlanta, I’ve seen firsthand how these myths can influence business decisions. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and make assumptions about the future, but it’s crucial to base your strategies on data and a realistic understanding of consumer behavior.

The future of shows is not about one format replacing another, but rather about a diverse ecosystem where different types of content coexist and cater to different audiences. The real takeaway? Don’t bet the farm on any single trend. Diversify your content strategy and focus on creating high-quality news and entertainment that resonates with your target audience.