TV Ratings Shake-Up: Streamer Shakeups and Sports Dominance Reshape the Landscape
Streaming Wars Heat Up as Networks Launch New Tiers
Major media players are doubling down on their streaming strategies, with several high-profile launches shaking up the TV ratings landscape. CNN announced plans to debut a $6.99 per month subscription tier, joining the growing ranks of networks offering direct-to-consumer options.
Meanwhile, legacy media giants are retooling their approaches. Humana suffered a legal defeat that puts billions in Medicare Advantage payments at risk, underscoring the challenges traditional players face in adapting to evolving industry dynamics.
Sports Remain Ratings Juggernaut Amid Changing Viewership Habits
While streaming makes waves, live sports programming continues to dominate TV ratings. College football's Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma drew nearly 9 million viewers, cementing its status as one of the most-watched games of the 2025 season so far.
The enduring appeal of live sports serves as a counterweight to the fragmentation seen in other genres, as audiences increasingly embrace on-demand and digital options. However, the balance of power remains in flux, with networks and streamers vying to secure the most valuable sports rights.
TL;DR
- Major media companies are launching new direct-to-consumer streaming tiers to compete in the evolving TV landscape
- Humana lost a legal battle over Medicare Advantage ratings, putting billions in revenue at risk as traditional players adapt
- Live sports programming remains a ratings juggernaut, with the Red River Rivalry one of the most-watched college football games this season
- Changing viewer habits are reshaping the industry, though live sports maintain their enduring appeal