Netflix will soon be larger than any major television network

Wall Street analysts at FBR Capital Markets have provided some staggering analysis about the future of TV, suggesting that, at its current rate, Netflix would surpass major networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, in 24-hour viewership if it were to be measured by typical Nielsen standards, reports Variety. It’s hard to compare, of course, given that even Nielsen ratings on standard broadcast TV can be off — people often view time shifted programs on DVRs and VOD well after the seven day window Nielsen claims to account for , and online viewing, which is growing in popularity, isn’t taken into account at all. Plus, let’s not forget that the TV has become such an integral part of the household, how many Nielsen homes simply have a show “on” during prime time hours, but are barely paying attention enough to consider it “watching?” In the same respect, the data may weigh even more heavily in Netflix’s favor. If a subscriber is logged in to Netflix and streaming a program or movie, chances are pretty high that he’s actually watching it, and focusing on nothing else.