Media Networks & Internet Broadcasting NAICS 516210
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Industry Summary
The 4,200 media networks and internet broadcasting firms in the US provide information and entertainment to customers through online channels and supply traditional outlets including radio, television, cable, satellite, and other subscription programming. The Internet broadcasting industry includes subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPD). Radio and television broadcasting stations and publishers of original content are covered in separate industry profiles.
Fierce Competition for Subscribers
As the video streaming market becomes increasingly crowded, competition for subscribers and quality content is squeezing industry profits.
Rampant Piracy
Pirated content is a growing risk to streaming services.
Recent Developments
May 7, 2025 - Netflix Will Test AI Recommendation Tool
- Streaming service Netflix is partnering with OpenAI on a chatbot that will give subscribers viewing recommendations based on user prompts. Netflix will first test generative AI-boosted search, meaning that not all Netflix users will initially receive the tools, according to CNN. Netflix’s generative AI-boosted search test will initially arrive via an opt-in beta test on mobile. Users will be able to discover content using “natural conversational phrases like ‘I want something funny and upbeat,’” the company said.
- About 69% of US consumers surveyed between January 2024 and January 2025 by Hub Entertainment Research said that they plan to use a subscription video on-demand (SVOD) streaming service to watch sports programming. About 62% said the same a year earlier. Some 48% of fans between the ages of 13 and 34 said they’d subscribe to a streaming service with the specific intent of watching sports, compared to 29% over the age of 35. Hispanic streamers are more likely (46%) to use an SVOD service for sports
- TV viewers’ resistance to advertisements on streaming services continues to decrease, according to a new report from Hub Research. Most consumers prefer to watch TV ads in exchange for lower subscription costs. Viewers who are most concerned about the economy and potential inflation are most accepting of advertisements on streaming services. Two-thirds of viewers who responded to the Hub Research survey said that they would prefer to watch content with ads if it brings down the cost of a TV subscription.
- Media network & internet broadcasting industry employment and average wages for nonsupervisory employees decreased slightly during the first month of 2025, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Media networks & internet broadcasters significantly decreased their prices during 2024, according to the BLS. Linear broadcasting networks primarily derive revenue from affiliate fees and advertising sales. Internet broadcasters rely on monthly or annual subscription fees and to a lesser extent, advertising, for revenue.
Industry Revenue
Media Networks & Internet Broadcasting
Industry Structure
Industry size & Structure
A typical firm operates out of one to three locations, employs 56-57 workers, and generates $43 million in annual revenue.
- The media networks and internet broadcasting industry consists of about 4,200 firms that employ about 237,500 workers and generate about $182.5 billion annually.
- 85% of US households have at least one video streaming subscription and 60% have at least one paid music streaming subscription, according to Kantar.
- Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Max are the leading streaming services in the US in terms of market share, according to Statista.
- Major companies include Comcast, Warner Media, Netflix, Sirius XM Holdings, Spectrum, and the Big 4 television networks ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.
Industry Forecast
Industry Forecast
Media Networks & Internet Broadcasting Industry Growth
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