Peter Vogel’s Tech Wise
As streamers fragment the media landscape, traditional cable TV may disappear, writes Peter Vogel. (Pexels)
Cable TV isn’t working.
So says Charter Communications, a large U.S. cable TV provider. It mentioned this in a presentation to investors, pointing to cord-cutting and continually increasing monthly subscription fees. Cord-cutting is when former cable TV subscribers drop the traditional TV service model, choosing either no TV or a streaming option. This can include streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+, free ad-supported TV like Pluto TV or Tubi, or content found on YouTube.
Sometimes, cord-cutters revert to the old method of TV reception with an OTA (over-the-air) antenna. But in Canada, most shows don’t have over-the-air broadcasts. Check out Facebook Marketplace to see how many OTA antennas are up for sale. Many find that their favourite shows are simply not accessible.
In the U.S., the decline of cable TV has become a public issue as cable companies and content providers discuss fees. Occasionally, these talks fail and content providers halt their streams, resulting in subscriber frustration – often aimed at the cable service provider. When content providers discuss carriage fees with cable companies, they tend to control rate hikes. They understand that subscribers will be upset if a favourite channel disappears. Likewise, they can force cable companies to broadcast lesser channels to offer a top-tier one.
Subscribers are the ones who ultimately pay these fees through rising cable TV rates. But it seems customers are reaching a limit. The result is cord-cutting or choosing minimal TV packages.
Even TV sports in the U.S., which was pivotal for the cable TV industry, is shifting. ESPN, owned by Disney, seems ready to embrace streaming. Both Apple and Amazon Prime have secured some sports rights. The entire TV distribution model is evolving, and it’s uncertain what it will resemble in the next few years.
In Canada, Shaw Communications’ exit from the TV and internet market might lead to another price hike, despite assurances given to the federal minister during the Rogers takeover.
Personally, I’ve had two calls from Rogers, about three months before my two-year agreement with Shaw ends. While they promised a “great deal,” it was clear I’d pay more under the Rogers brand. I’m not ready to discuss this yet.
Maybe I’m leaning towards cord-cutting. I have an OTA television antenna, but it’s for testing. Going this route would mean missing out on specific news shows that aren’t available elsewhere. I do have Roku devices, but they have their issues.
Fewer than half of U.S. households have cable TV now. This is a significant decrease from just a few years ago. I don’t have Canada’s numbers, but I believe it’s similar. No surprise Shaw wanted out. Internet service is the real future. Even cord-cutters need internet, since streaming services require an internet connection.
Perhaps it’s time to regulate internet rates. In B.C., this could involve the B.C. Utilities Commission, which oversees energy utilities and ICBC. But ultimately, the internet and TV broadcasting fall under federal jurisdiction.
Tired of rising cable TV costs? What steps have you taken to cut or eliminate TV subscription expenses? Encountered a subscription renewal with Telus or Rogers–Shaw that made you rethink traditional TV?
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