By Edwin Henriquez

NECC students prefer streaming films and shows rather than buying them.

Services like Hulu and Netflix have become a juggernaut in the entertainment industry. With millions of subscribers signed up for these streaming services, the question that remains is “Are the cable and theater companies in trouble?”

According to oppositeviews.com, “CNBC reported that 30 percent of viewers ages 18 to 24, and 37 percent of viewers ages 25 to 34, had given up paying for cable tv in favor of using Netflix.

Ericrettberg.com wrote, “Since Netflix can be accessed anywhere there is internet access, it does indeed take away sales from simple things such as paying to rent a movie on a plane, buying a DVD at a store, or even going to the movies.” NECC students share similar outlooks to those in the media.

A computer science major from NECC, Steve Vega says that Netflix is really cheap and the movie and show titles are endless. Vega goes on to say, “If Netflix showed football games, I would cancel my cable.”

An accounting major at NECC, Vince Rabkin, says that Netflix is very convenient for him. Rabkin said, “House of Cards has become my favorite show, Netflix is doing a good job at producing their own programing.”

Another NECC student, Nicholas Morris, said that although Netflix is a valuable service to have, he does not plan to get rid of his cable.

The overwhelming number of positive reviews has proved that Netflix is here to stay. It will be interesting to see what steps the cable and theater industries use to combat these opposing forces.