Netflix Nations: The Geography of Digital Distribution

Streaming services and internet distribution have transformed global television culture, with new global giants like Netflix emerging. Ramon Lobato's Netflix Nations explores the political and policy tensions at the heart of the digital distribution revolution, tracing their longer history through our evolving understanding of media globalization. The book addresses the clash between the internet's capacity for global distribution and the territorial nature of media trade, taste, and regulation, and explores the failures and frictions of video-on-demand as experienced by audiences.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 08 January 2019
\n Publisher: New York University Press
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Television, once a broadcast medium, has undergone a remarkable transformation due to the advent of streaming services and internet distribution. It has transcended its traditional boundaries and now reaches viewers through a multitude of channels, including apps, screens of various sizes, and media players. In this evolving landscape, new global giants of television distribution have emerged, such as Netflix, the world's largest subscription video-on-demand service.

Ramon Lobato, in his book "Netflix Nations," delves into the complex political and policy tensions at the heart of the digital distribution revolution. He traces the historical roots of these tensions, exploring how our understanding of media globalization has shaped the landscape. Lobato combines media industry analysis with cultural theory to provide a comprehensive examination of the revolution.

One of the central themes of "Netflix Nations" is the profound impact that subscription video-on-demand services, particularly Netflix, have had on the circulation of media content. The book explores how Netflix interacts with national audiences, markets, and institutions, shaping the way we understand global media in the internet age. It sheds light on the ways in which Netflix has disrupted traditional media distribution models and created new opportunities for content creators and consumers alike.

However, the digital distribution revolution also brings with it a fundamental tension. On the one hand, the internet's capacity for global distribution offers immense possibilities for the dissemination of media content. On the other hand, the territorial nature of media trade, taste, and regulation creates challenges and complexities. "Netflix Nations" addresses this tension by examining the failures and frictions experienced by audiences when using video platforms.

The actual experience of using video platforms is characterized by geo-blocking, where users in certain regions are unable to access certain videos due to legal restrictions or licensing agreements. Catalogs shrink and expand from country to country, with different regions offering a curated selection of content. Prices are displayed in different currencies, creating barriers for international consumers. Subtitles and captions are not always available in local languages, further limiting accessibility for non-native speakers.

These conditions offer valuable insights for researchers and scholars studying the dynamics of the digital media landscape. They highlight the boundaries and exclusions that shape the way we consume and engage with media content. They also raise questions about the role of governments, regulators, and media industry players in navigating the complex web of international regulations and agreements.

In conclusion, the transformation of global television culture through streaming services and internet distribution has been profound. Netflix, as a leading player in this landscape, has reshaped the way we consume and engage with media content. "Netflix Nations" provides a valuable exploration of the political, policy, and cultural tensions at the heart of the digital distribution revolution. By examining the failures and frictions experienced by audiences, the book sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that arise in this evolving landscape. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital media world, it is essential to understand the impact of subscription video-on-demand services and the broader implications of media globalization.

\n Weight: 288g\n
Dimension: 128 x 203 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781479804948\n \n