Global market consultants, Ernst & Young (EY), were quick to help me out as I sat down to write this blog. They too, decided to reflect on 2013 and take a closer look at the driving force behind the future of television. The way I see it, is that our industry is getting ready for a major upheaval – a big shift in how we do business and as a result, what we’ll see on our screens.

According to the report, Future of Television – Media & Entertainment, viewing audiences aren’t willing to park themselves in a recliner just to be entertained. Seems they’re toughening up and demanding television experiences that are interactive, mobile and tailored to their needs and interests. The future of the squawk box now rests on the relationship between content and viewer, or what EY refers to as “compelling content tailored to an audience of one.”

Enter Mobile Digital TV (MDTV), a market that’s going to reach over 120m mobile and portable DTV devices by midnight tonight. MDTV’s huge following is led by Japan (70m), Korea (10m), Europe (15m), China (20m), LatAm (18m) and the rest of the world (10m). With mobile device use skyrocketing, beyond any and all predictions, and with more consumers watching TV on their mobile devices than on stationary TVs, the market is simply ‘stuck’ on cellular and ultra-portable applications, especially smartphones, tablets, and P-DVDs.

Best news ever, is that you no longer have to be plugged in, tuned in, or even turned on. And the growing success of mobile digital TV is proof of that. We're seeing that DVB-T2 is making headway in Thailand, Europe and South Africa. This means quality HD content on the go! And that MDTV in South Africa (and neighboring countries) is no longer a passing phase – it's for real and it’s here to stay – with mega growth predicted in 2014. There’s a huge increase in demand in LatAm driven by the World Cup and Rio’s 2016 Olympics. And we're seeing MDTV in Mexico, who have waved goodbye to analog to usher in digital service nationwide.

Now that every man, woman, and child are sporting their own device, all that’s left is to provide rich mobile TV content. As our mobile devices hold more, do more, weigh less and cost less, we are going to be glued to news, sports and entertainment programming as never before. Plus, we’re going to indulge in fun toys for our mobile devices, especially smartphones and tablets, with WiFi bridges and other dongle products for mobile TV viewing.

So really, what have I learned in 2013? I’ve learned that if you have a pulse, you have a mobile device. And if you have a mobile device, you will want mobile TV. And if you have mobile TV, you will demand quality programming. Whether on your commute to work or enjoying your morning coffee, you’ll be hooked to your mobile device and so will I. I will end 2013 in the comfort of my armchair, smartphone cradled in the palm of my hand. And that’s just how I’ll welcome in 2014. Well, I might just switch channels. It will be a Happy New Year. But don’t take my word for it. You can watch it on TV.