What was it like to live in East Germany in the 80s

Historical-
·      Stasi was the main policing tool for the GDR dictatorship.
·      The wall came down on November the 9th 1989.
·      The GDR offered work, support, free healthcare, free places in Kindergarten and schools, affordable housing.
·      Germany was split after the allies argued on who owns which part of Germany.
·      The wall was 13 feet high and went on for 28 miles.
·      171 people died trying to climb over the wall or being shot by guards for attempting it.
·      Rockets filled with propaganda pamphlets were sent out across the territory.

Economic-
·      Salaries across the board were really low.
·      Life essentials were very cheap. (Bread and rent affordable).
·      Unemployment was non-existent but many jobs could be seen as ‘invented’ to bring employment rates down.
·      Created the world’s leading recycling infrastructure.
·      There were no unemployment benefits.
·      Pay gap was down to only 8% compared to 23% of the rest of Germany.

Social/cultural-
·      Most people were spied on which lead to people not knowing who to trust.
·      ‘western’ products were popular.
·      Equal rights were good, and most women worked with child-care being very affordable.
·      People dreamed of being on the west side of the wall as it seemed like a better more interesting life.
·      There were shortages in Chocolate, meat, butter, and other consumer goods.
·      East Germany was the biggest users of doping in world sports to try to get their country on the map.
·      Atheism was encouraged.
·      Music and films were heavily censored.
·      Models were shown as everyday women who promoted a healthy body and healthy living.
·      1 in 5 adults were directly connected to the Stasi.

·      Stamp collecting was one of the most popular hobbies in East Germany.

Technology Questions

1.     What does DVR and VOD allow viewers?
Watching Tv whenever you want.
2.     What is our future for watching TV?
Unbundling and streaming video.
3.     Which company has been the most disruptive to the traditional TV model?
Netflix.
4.     Is Netflix a perfect substitute for traditional TV?
Nope due to sports.
5.     Why do audiences have fewer reasons to be tied to their cable box or TV?
Due to subscriptions.
6.     Pay per view (PPV) TV subscribers have fallen by how many since 2013?
389,000.
7.     How many subscribers have Netflix increased by since 2013?
11 Million. 42%.
8.     How many worldwide subscribers were Netflix to reach in 2017?
100 million (Hit 137 million in 2018).
9.     What is the main reason given for the prediction that Netflix audiences will grow?
Subscribers are younger so will be around for longer.
10.  What will happen to linear and cable TV?
Will die.