Media Networks & Internet Broadcasting NAICS 516210
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Industry Summary
The 3,900 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, 2026 - Non-Sports Traditional Broadcast Programming Viewership Decreases
- Non-sports broadcast primetime viewership decreased more than 75% over the past 20 years, according to financial analysts at LightShed Partners. NFL regular season viewership is up over 30% over the same period. The NFL is currently in the process of renegotiating higher rights fees, according to LightShed Partners. Those higher licensing fees could mean that "broadcast networks may be forced to cut back on general entertainment programming that does not cover its production costs, reduce the cost of programming or shift even more of that content to streaming platforms," according to Lightshed Partners
- Streaming video prices increased nearly 20% month over month in December 2025, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is a category that includes subscription streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. The December Consumer Price Index showed modest inflation of 0.3% month over month and 2.7% year over year. Some of the biggest streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max, all launched price increases in late 2025. Peacock and Netflix both raised prices earlier in the year.
- Local news consumption is moving from broadcast technology to personalized, on-demand, over-the-top streaming, according to audience insights and data and analytics firm Nielsen. Local news apps on platforms like Roku, Samsung, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV are becoming a primary source of news and information, particularly for younger, “cord-cutting” audiences. Over half of US adults now get news through digital platforms like websites, apps, and social media, according to Nielsen.
- Media network & internet broadcasting industry employment increased slightly and average wages for nonsupervisory employees decreased slightly during the first two months of 2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Media networks & internet broadcasters slightly decreased their prices during the first three months of 2026, 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 150 workers, and generates $112.6 million in annual revenue.
- The media networks and internet broadcasting industry consists of about 3,900 firms that employ about 215,600 workers and generate about $161.5 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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