CANADIAN TV SUBSCRIBERS EXPECTED TO DROP BY 253,000 THIS YEAR

An annual report on consumer habits predicts the number of Canadian households paying for at least one streaming video service will eclipse traditional TV subscribers for the first time next year. Convergence Research Group says the growing popularity of an array of steaming options, ranging from Netflix and Crave to sports platform DAZN is leading to a gradual shift in where viewers invest their entertainment dollars. While many households subscribe to both options, the report estimates that about 32 percent of Canadian households will not have a traditional TV subscription by the end of next year, an increase of about two percentage points from 2018. The report says traditional outlets, particularly cable TV and satellite across Canada, have seen a downturn in subscribers of roughly two per cent each year since 2015. The report also says last year, Canadian TV subscribers decline by 204,000 and another 253,000 cancellations are expected this year.