Scattered thoughts on the death of cable

As investors we all want to know the next 'big thing'.  For whatever reason, we tend to overlook the current mega-trends that are dominating.  Over the next few weeks we'll take a quick look at some megatrends in progress.  First, we'll focus on the change in the television industry,

HBO Now is the third highest grossing iOS app only behind Clash of Clans and Kate Upton's rack.

Last week CBS tried to hide significant weakness in their local advertising networks (both radio and television) as they scurry to get their NFLX/HBO copycat app up and running.

The market hates this latest round of corporate updates as the broadcasting index is really showing weakness relative to the overall market.

Who's the beneficiary?  Of course it's Netflix.  The chart is redunkulous.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on the space, but the charts are speaking.  This comment from Reed Hastings really caught my attention.

"We want the content to be as broad as the human experience".

Of course cable companies have wised up to the fact you can't beat on-demand viewing and the seductiveness of binge-watching.  Speaking from my own perspective, maybe as long as they put a premium on that, they're still in the game.

This is a huge week or two for television as advertising budgets get set for next year.

Trade 'em well!