International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

ISSN 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) 10.30845/ijhss

Study of Converging Perspectives: Youth Viewership of Internet Video Content and Traditional Television Sets in Oman
Ms. Tarang Taswir

Abstract
The paper studies youth attitudes to convergence in the digital ecosystem of Oman. The research examines patterns of online video and traditional TV consumption by youth in the age group from 18 to 25 years. Broadband has enabled an age of convergence in Oman. Watching online videos is a favourite activity along with using internet for communication. The same young audiences are also watching a number of Free-To-air channels. Despite low internet penetration there is a portion of young population in Oman which is now on the Internet. The paper examines if this young net population of Oman equipped with broadband access is shifting from passive TV viewing to more interactive online video consumption. The market variables include online and satellite channel viewership, broadband availability, internet penetration, telecommunication services, barriers to internet usage, time spent watching TV and internet videos, and genres popular across online and TV platforms. These factors contribute to an understanding of choices being made by a sample of 100 young audiences and also reveal the extent to which convergence of broadband on multiple screens including TV, personal computers, tablets and mobile phones is prevalent.

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