The mobile efforts by TV programmers, ranging from ESPN (NYSE: DIS) to the Cartoon Network, continue to bring in limited revenues, according to a detailed report issued today by SNL Kagan.
The research firm estimates that the top 18 video providers and aggregators recorded revenues of $306 million in 2008. Next year, the the firm expects revenues to grow by 17 percent to $359 million (including subscriptions, one-time fees and in-video advertising). The figures have a sobering affect on other estimates that put revenues — albeit internationally — easily into the billions.
Here’s the top 5 providers in order of their 2008 revenue estimates:
1. ESPN : $38.4 million.
2. MobiTV: $23.8 million.
3. MTV Mobile: $22.4 million.
4. CNN: $22 million.
5. Comedy Central: $20 million.
More results after the jump, including subscription estimates for two of the top aggregators, MobiTV and Qualcomm’s FLO TV…
— Fastest growing: While ESPN, MobiTV and MTV are at the top of the list today, others are seeing faster growth based on 2009 revenue estimates. SNL Kagan is estimating GoTV’s revenues to jump by 56 percent. The next two fastest growing — Viva Vision and Cartoon Network, are tied at 30 percent expected revenue growth.
— Top Aggregators: SNL reported that MobiTV had 4.4 million subscribers in the U.S. for 2008. In the fourth quarter 2008, SNL estimates that Qualcomm’s MediaFLO had 239,000 subscribers, up from 40,000 in the same period a year earlier.
— Smartphone subscribers: Subscribers on smart phones are expected to double from 20 percent in 2008 to 43 percent by the end of next year. By the end of 2011, SNL Kagan expects smartphone subs will be the majority.
— On-deck still rules: The bulk of revenues earned in the U.S.
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