The number of property owners choosing to move away from traditional television is declining. This is due to the perception that students consume less television than in the past. While this demographic consumes less television programming than other demographics, television viewing among students has actually remained stable over the past 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Although there is more competition in the content marketplace, younger adults are proving that there is still value in offering traditional television programming within student housing communities.

The need for information

One area of traditional television programming that has seen a spike in viewership among students is the news. Spurred by the events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political movements, local news viewership has surged by as much as 100% among those 18-24 years old. Even national news broadcasts saw a 50% uptick among the student population.

According to a Nielsen study, Americans 18 and older watched an average of more than eight hours of TV news each week in 2020. The average in 2019 was just over five-and-a-half hours. This trend in news consumption is expected to remain consistent in the years to come.

The rise in news engagement that began in 2020 has shattered the stereotype that traditional television only appeals to older generations. While those over the age of 55 still consume the most news data shows that news audiences are getting younger and more diverse.

Easy accessibility

Another reason students are consuming more television than ever before is the ability to access programming not just on the big screen, but on phones, laptops and other personal devices. With advancements in technology, the ability to easily stream content has become a differentiator for students when choosing a community.

Bulk television programming is a cost-efficient way for properties to give students the convenience of streaming live television anywhere in their community on browser-enabled devices. Working together with property-wide wireless connectivity, bulk television gives students instant access to stream content from the moment they move in. 

The value of bulk television has changed as a result of consumer habits, with the ability to stream content to user devices becoming necessary. Implementing bulk television improves the student experience while creating new revenue opportunities for properties and provides a platform for the future of smart-home technology.