Portals: A Treatise on Internet-Distributed Television

Portals examines the rise of internet-distributed television services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. The book tracks how these platforms have transformed television distribution, programming, and viewer behavior since 2010. Author Amanda D. Lotz analyzes the business models and strategies of major streaming services, comparing them to traditional broadcast and cable networks. She presents research on how portals have created new forms of television measurement, content discovery, and audience engagement. The text breaks down complex industry shifts through case studies of specific streaming platforms and their evolution. Through interviews and data analysis, Lotz documents how portals have impacted television production, scheduling practices, and content development. This investigation of internet-distributed television raises questions about the future of entertainment media and audience autonomy in an increasingly nonlinear viewing environment. The work contributes to media studies discourse on technological disruption and cultural consumption patterns.

Limited reader reviews exist for this academic text. Most come from scholars and media researchers rather than general readers. Readers valued: - Clear explanations of internet TV business models - Analysis of how streaming differs from traditional TV - Practical industry examples from Netflix, Amazon, Hulu - Discussion of measurement and monetization challenges Critiques focused on: - Dated examples (published 2017) - Limited coverage of international markets - Technical language that may challenge non-academic readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating Sample review: "Helpful framework for understanding internet-distributed television, though the rapid pace of industry change means some examples are already outdated." - Academic reviewer on Goodreads The book appears primarily in university course syllabi and academic citations rather than consumer review sites.

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📱 Though Netflix began streaming video in 2007, it wasn't until 2013 that the company released its first original series, "House of Cards" - marking a pivotal shift from distributor to content creator. 📺 Author Amanda D. Lotz coined the term "portal" to describe streaming services, highlighting how they fundamentally differ from traditional television networks in both business model and viewer relationship. 🎬 The book was published in 2017 during a crucial period of streaming evolution, just as Disney was preparing to launch its own streaming service and before the industry became as crowded as it is today. 💡 Lotz is a Professor at Queensland University of Technology and has written several influential books about television, including "The Television Will Be Revolutionized" and "We Now Disrupt This Broadcast." 🌐 "Portals" was one of the first academic works to examine how streaming services were creating a completely new media category, distinct from both traditional television and web video platforms like YouTube.