Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Mark Sweney

Changing channels: TV streaming at turning point as most UK subscribers opt for ads

Netflix United Kingdom Ampere Analysis Channel 4 Channel 5 Disney Paramount Subway Tesco
three boys in boiler suits ride their BMX bikes in a scene from Stranger Things
Netflix’s Stranger Things. When Netflix launched its streaming service, one of its big pitches was that viewers could watch whatever they wanted, when they wanted, without ads. Photograph: Netflix/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

The number of UK streaming subscribers on packages that include commercials has overtaken those on higher-priced ad-free plans for the first time, in a milestone for British television.

The change marks a turning point for an industry that used to reject the idea of interrupting viewing with ad breaks as a relic of broadcast TV – a view championed in particular by Netflix.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Donald Trump's Golf Invitation Gets Brutal Rejection From Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain Who Says His 'Cronies' Belong in Jail
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain says he rejected an invitation to play golf with Donald Trump and criticised the president and his administration in a new interview.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
What’s Actually Made Fresh at the Grocery Store Bakery? The Answer May Surprise You
The smell of warm bread and cookies can make the grocery store bakery one of the hardest sections to walk past without buying something. Rows of golden rolls, frosted cupcakes, and fresh-looking pastries create the impression that bakers prepared everything that morning. Sometimes, that is true, but many supermarket bakeries…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Cyndi Lauper defends working with Nicki Minaj despite rapper’s support for Trump
Rapper has become one of the president’s most famous supporters
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Doctors Were the Butt of 40% of Facebook Doctor Jokes, but the Most-Liked One Skewered a Lawyer
Researchers combed 30,075 Facebook posts for doctor jokes. Physicians were the usual target, but the most-liked punchline hit a lawyer.
Medical Daily
Medical Daily
Fridge or not? What’s the best way to store bread?
Our experts have some airtight advice to stop your loaf from going stale
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Not enjoying being a parent? You’re not alone. Here’s how to handle this complicated feeling
We’re often told parenting is one of the most rewarding things we’ll ever do. But as many parents will attest, it is also full of very difficult moments. And sometimes these moments seem almost constant.
The Conversation
The Conversation
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play