Netflix still hates TV ratings
BEVERLY HILLS, California -- If it wasn't clear already: Netflix doesn't care about TV ratings.
“The focus of ratings companies has no relevance for us,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos told reporters at the streaming service's Television Critics Association presentation.
The comment comes as more companies continue to claim they know Netflix's numbers.
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During his TCA presentation, Sarandos called out two companies -- Nielsen and Symphony Media -- specifically for inaccurately providing measurements of Netflix's audience size.
“Both Symphony and Nielsen claim accuracy,” Sarandos said, using the companies reports of Orange is the New Black ratings. "Either number, if true, would be great for Netflix. Especially since it’s only U.S. viewing and it’s only for the first 35 days of release.”
Just as he did in January at the winter TCA presentation, Sarandos said the Los Gatos-based company focuses on subscribers for revenue.
“Subscriber growth, not advertising, drives our revenues,” Sarandos said, noting growth in the second quarter was slower than expected.
In its second quarter, Netflix added 1.7 million subscribers worldwide, missing the 2.5 million subscriber estimate the company said it would add by June 30.
Still, Sarandos said Netflix plans to invest even more in content in 2017 than the $6 billion it spent this year. However, he didn't specify exactly how much.
He also highlighted Netflix's global expansion and surge in original programming. The company launched in 130 countries in January (adding to the 60 existing countries), and recently received a whopping 54 Emmy nominations.
"Netflix is holding up a mirror to the world and reflecting it back with stories that are fresh, relevant and compelling," he said.
The exec also announced the return of several shows as well as a handful of new ones coming later this year and in 2017.
Topics Netflix
Saba was a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers all things digital entertainment, including YouTube, streaming services and digital influencers. Prior to that, she spent two years at the Los Angeles Times covering entertainment for the Calendar and Company Town sections. Saba grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in journalism and B.A. in political science. When not reporting, she is usually binge watching shows online or looking for new coffee shops to frequent.
