One of the side effects of the increasing importance of over-the-top services has been a decline in real-time (linear) viewing. According to Parks Associates, Americans now spend about half their television time watching non-linear programming, and among 18 to 34 year olds, it's the majority.

While it's an undeniable trend, and one Lynch expects to continue, he still believes there's a place for traditional broadcasts.

"Linear will still be relevant ... [primarily for] event programming and sports ... particularly among Millennials, there's value in watching something live. Commentating on social media, participating in the discussion."

That may be the single biggest draw of Sling TV -- unlike its competitors, it's currently the only over-the-top service that offers live sports.

From the article "Exclusive: Sling TV's Roger Lynch on the Future of Cable" by Sam Mattera.

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