Not likely. But it could happen.
Besides adding to the cost, cable companies say, selling channels individually might make it difficult for lesser-watched, niche channels to survive.
article
Isn't that what the free market is all about?
Under the current system, consumers effectively subsidize less-popular channels, which cable companies say provides diversity in the cable and satellite universe.
However, they certainly don't want to extend that diversity to include other cable companies in your marketplace. (How many choices of cable companies do you have?)
The cable industry is urging the government not to return to the days when it regulated rates and demanded public access channels and other programming, arguing such mandates stifle innovation.
Is it just me, or does that not directly contradict their great concern for "niche" channels?
Anyhoo, they're having hearings on this pressing issue now.
And the cable companies have a solution to offer those of you who are paying for packages in which there are channels you don't want - they're proposing to hand out free channel blockers. But you're still going to pay for those channels. Buy something I don't want and then lock it in the closet where I can't use it. Why didn't I think of that?
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated. There may be some delay before your comment is published. It all depends on how much time M has in the day. But please comment!