American TV outlets compete in original programmes

New York

IN THE new age of American television, it pays to be original. But it also costs a bundle.

From Time Warner and its HBO unit to streaming video group Netflix and online giant Amazon, money is pouring in to produce new shows like "Game of Thrones", "Transparent" and "Marco Polo". With TV viewing habits becoming fragmented as more people go online for new outlets, the pressure is on to attract audiences with fresh, original programmes.