While They Pivot, You’re Already in Position

The headlines are calling it a tipping point—streaming has officially surpassed cable and broadcast combined. But for local and regional providers like you, this isn’t breaking news. It’s confirmation. You’ve been building with intention: smarter tech, faster experiences, and content that actually reflects the communities you serve.

In this edition, we’re breaking down what this moment means (and what it doesn’t), spotlighting the rise of short-form content, exploring how big players are leaning into AI, and embracing the end of Peak TV as a sign to focus on what matters.

You’re not adapting to change—you are the change. Let’s get into it.

Streaming Crosses the Line—and You’re Already on the Right Side

It’s official: streaming isn’t just the future, it’s the now. Nielsen just confirmed what many of us have been feeling on the ground for a while: streaming has overtaken both cable and broadcast combined in total TV viewing. For the first time ever, more people are tuning in via digital platforms than traditional TV.

But here’s what’s even more exciting: you’re not catching up, you’re ahead. While the giants scramble to retrofit their models, local broadcasters and content creators who’ve already leaned into FAST, community-driven programming, and smarter tech are built for this moment.

At Whitepaw, we’ve always believed that the future of TV isn’t just about scale, it’s about service. It’s about meeting people where they are, with stories that reflect their neighborhoods, their culture, and their voices. This isn’t just a tipping point for the industry; it’s a rallying cry for local providers to double down on what makes them irreplaceable.

Because when viewers choose streaming, they’re not just choosing convenience. They’re choosing content that feels closer to home, and that’s where you shine.

Read the full Nielsen story

Short-Form Content Is Winning—Should You Compete?

It’s no secret that the average attention span has shortened. But now it’s backed by strategy: Netflix is experimenting with short-form content to keep pace with TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. While their platform has long been known for long-form storytelling, the real battle is over scroll-stopping, snackable moments.

For Whitepaw partners, this isn’t just about copying the trend. It’s a chance to think local: What short-form, locally relevant content could keep your audience coming back daily? Think highlights from local sports, minute-long recaps from neighborhood events, or even behind-the-scenes moments with your talent.

Read the article

Streaming Surpasses Broadcast + Cable for the First Time (Nielsen): Nielsen confirms it: streaming has officially overtaken both broadcast and cable combined in total TV viewing. A milestone moment that validates the path you’re on.

Netflix Joins the Short-Form Fight (Business Insider): Netflix is dabbling in TikTok-style content. The takeaway? Everyone’s trying to make big stories shorter, and you don’t need a blockbuster budget to win this game locally.

Max Autoplays Get an AI Upgrade (MSN): Warner Bros. Discovery is adding AI to its homepage to tailor video previews to individual viewers. Smart movebut you can do similar things with thoughtful content curation.

YouTube’s Future Role in the Creator Economy (StreamingMedia): This piece looks ahead at how platforms like YouTube are changing the game for creators, shaping how content is shared, monetized, and scaled. For regional broadcasters and community-driven teams, it’s a roadmap to stay relevant and competitive in a shifting landscape.

Max Rolls Out AI-Powered Previews

Streaming giant Max just added a little AI magic to its homepage previews—autoplay trailers are now dynamically generated based on who’s watching.

What does this mean for community-driven content providers like you? It’s a reminder that viewer-first presentation is the new baseline. Even small tweaks in how you serve up content (like better thumbnails, teaser clips, or dynamic playlists) can have a huge impact, without needing an HBO budget.

Here’s the breakdown

Peak TV Is Over. What Now?

A former Disney executive says we’ve hit a wall: Peak TV—the era of nonstop content production is winding down. And not even AI can fix it.

That’s not bad news. It’s an opportunity. For those of us focusing on value over volume, this shift rewards the hyper-relevant, community-rooted programming Whitepaw was built for. Less noise, more signal. If you’ve felt stretched trying to keep up with big-studio content churn, here’s your sign to lean into what your audience really needs: local stories, trusted coverage, and a consistent connection, not just more stuff.

Read the insight

As the media giants rework their strategies, you're proving that local still leads. The shift away from quantity and toward quality, relevance, and trust is already happening—and you’re building the kind of viewing experience audiences are craving. Keep showing up for your communities, experimenting with what works, and staying rooted in what makes your content matter.

We’ll be here to spotlight what’s next—and celebrate how you’re already doing it.

Emily Call