Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

underpants

(182,284 posts)
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:19 PM Jul 2018

Cord cutting accelerates with millions more expected to leave pay TV for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon

More bad news for pay-TV providers: There's another sign that cord cutting – consumers dropping pay TV for broadband-delivered video – is accelerating.

A new forecast from research firm eMarketer suggests that this year 6 million more TV viewers will depart pay TV for internet video services such as Netflix and Hulu.

The number of cord cutters, those who cancel pay TV, is expected to climb 32.8 percent this year to 33 million. That’s higher than the 27.1 million (22 percent growth rate) cord cutters expected for 2018 in eMarketer's forecast last year.

https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/823950002

119 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Cord cutting accelerates with millions more expected to leave pay TV for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon (Original Post) underpants Jul 2018 OP
Arrghhh.... LisaM Jul 2018 #1
Good point underpants Jul 2018 #8
Our eighty year old parents sometimes talk about television like that... "Did you watch...?" hunter Jul 2018 #33
We already have that with DVR. Flaleftist Jul 2018 #41
Yes, the deregulation is not good, it hurts consumers. LisaM Jul 2018 #50
On the other hand television and radio as sources of entertainment has been cstanleytech Jul 2018 #55
Eventually, they'll go to a menu, a price per channel. Eyeball_Kid Jul 2018 #76
I cut the cord because of content.. dixiegrrrrl Jul 2018 #116
Cable is too expensive. Sophia4 Jul 2018 #102
We do, too. It is too expensive to have cablee. CozyMystery Jul 2018 #103
cable providers who also provide internet will start throttling and jacking up prices msongs Jul 2018 #2
THIS BumRushDaShow Jul 2018 #11
5G might save us manor321 Jul 2018 #12
Because wireless providers don't hose you with datacaps? mythology Jul 2018 #21
Yes, but there is actually competition. Flaleftist Jul 2018 #46
initial target of 5g will be more business oriented at least per att dembotoz Jul 2018 #92
All ready happening. Cox kicked off this thing just recently. Wellstone ruled Jul 2018 #26
Yep. dalton99a Jul 2018 #28
They can go right ahead and cut the cord. With federal net neutrality in the dust bin I'm sure Afromania Jul 2018 #60
I have Comcast/Xfinity shanti Jul 2018 #62
I remember when all access cable was something like $19 per month. Blue_true Jul 2018 #86
Exactly why they wanted to kill net neutrality IronLionZion Jul 2018 #63
I assume you meant to say xajj4791 Jul 2018 #104
They do that now. dixiegrrrrl Jul 2018 #117
Sounds like an opportunity for the IP's to get rich. ooky Jul 2018 #3
Unless Netflix and Amazon do something about that exboyfil Jul 2018 #5
But... shanti Jul 2018 #67
Mobile Hotspot blugbox Jul 2018 #83
My guess. Blue_true Jul 2018 #87
I'm thinking of switching to DirectTV Now left-of-center2012 Jul 2018 #4
They continue raising prices base price is now $37.50 JCMach1 Jul 2018 #10
"plus their app is terrible" ... "base price is now $37.50" left-of-center2012 Jul 2018 #17
Just giving my experience with App on Firestick JCMach1 Jul 2018 #38
how recently? left-of-center2012 Jul 2018 #57
Once introduction is done, it's 37.50... left this month JCMach1 Jul 2018 #80
ok left-of-center2012 Jul 2018 #84
Their website still says $35 a month left-of-center2012 Jul 2018 #77
I just moved to DirectTV Now. It takes a little getting used to JDC Jul 2018 #30
In our area, DirectTV is always in spats with the local stations. LisaM Jul 2018 #51
Just buy an external antenna shanti Jul 2018 #66
Because it's the principle of the thing... LisaM Jul 2018 #70
I have it shanti Jul 2018 #65
HBO left-of-center2012 Jul 2018 #90
I tried Direct TV years ago. Was not really cheaper and getting it Blue_true Jul 2018 #88
'DirectTV Now' is via the internet left-of-center2012 Jul 2018 #89
except xajj4791 Jul 2018 #105
The death of ESPN is nigh... Moostache Jul 2018 #6
Sports cable networks underpants Jul 2018 #32
+1. Excellent post - especially your 2nd paragraph. yonder Jul 2018 #39
Love this post! Glad I cut cable over 10 years ago! BlancheSplanchnik Jul 2018 #61
I've disliked the NFL for longer than the Rams thing Sherman A1 Jul 2018 #73
Well stated. dixiegrrrrl Jul 2018 #118
Comcast and AT&T are rip offs Johnny2X2X Jul 2018 #7
We did too. It's amazing how little TV I watch now underpants Jul 2018 #22
If they do that, then.. MicaelS Jul 2018 #45
+1 uponit7771 Jul 2018 #113
I'm one of them manor321 Jul 2018 #9
how does one get MSNBC KT2000 Jul 2018 #13
I watch free on Channel Pear JCMach1 Jul 2018 #14
thank you! KT2000 Jul 2018 #15
Channel Pear is still on Firestick JCMach1 Jul 2018 #40
+1 uponit7771 Jul 2018 #27
I would gladly pay a couple of bucks for a dedicated NBC news app that had live JCMach1 Jul 2018 #47
If you have a ROKU and want MSNBC... SkyDancer Jul 2018 #107
Thank you! KT2000 Jul 2018 #110
You're welcome, I hope it helps. SkyDancer Jul 2018 #119
I have the TuneIn app on my iPhone. MoonchildCA Jul 2018 #108
Thank you! KT2000 Jul 2018 #111
On Roku get Sling TV Blue and add the news option csziggy Jul 2018 #109
thank you! KT2000 Jul 2018 #112
I subscribe to Hulu Live. I'm watching MSNBC live now DesertRat Jul 2018 #114
Thank you! KT2000 Jul 2018 #115
That's Still Pay TV. MineralMan Jul 2018 #16
Thinking The Same, MM ProfessorGAC Jul 2018 #35
TV programming costs money to produce. MineralMan Jul 2018 #36
I don't pay for TV. llmart Jul 2018 #59
Me too. We go to half price books and buy dvds for next to Luz Jul 2018 #96
Yes, thank you! Posted the same downthread. Coventina Jul 2018 #72
And even then, it's paid for by advertisers MineralMan Jul 2018 #94
Correct. I always shudder when watching Nova. Coventina Jul 2018 #98
So what happens when internet providers jack up their rates? workinclasszero Jul 2018 #18
Net neutrality wouldn't have stopped ISPs from raising rates mythology Jul 2018 #24
Ding ding ding... onenote Jul 2018 #37
I bought two Rokus about three months ago. lpbk2713 Jul 2018 #19
We are trying to do the same thing how do you use Roku as a cable converter ?thanks in advance uponit7771 Jul 2018 #29
I use a Spectrum app on mine (no charge). lpbk2713 Jul 2018 #31
Free market, baby! louis-t Jul 2018 #20
Why pay to be bombarded with ads? Ponietz Jul 2018 #23
There's ads on cable and on streaming shanti Jul 2018 #68
Sure there is. I never see ads. DVDs and Netflix don't have them. hunter Jul 2018 #79
I remember when cable first came out. llmart Jul 2018 #97
Pepperidge Farm remembers. Dave Starsky Jul 2018 #101
AT&T sends me like 10 Direct TV emails a fucking week. Haven't had cable Guy Whitey Corngood Jul 2018 #25
Cut the cord years ago. NCTraveler Jul 2018 #34
Keep in mind Spectrum is exclusive to Roku JCMach1 Jul 2018 #42
Also, don't forget a digital broadcast antenna JCMach1 Jul 2018 #43
I have one and we get 17 channels underpants Jul 2018 #44
We have 20+ channels in DFW JCMach1 Jul 2018 #49
Ouch...I get over 60 on my antenna in the Tampa bay area.. EX500rider Jul 2018 #54
There is one digital station where I live now Revanchist Jul 2018 #75
I just cut the cord myself. ananda Jul 2018 #48
That's essentially what I have. Dave Starsky Jul 2018 #53
Rather matt819 Jul 2018 #52
Customers have been pleading for a la carte service Mariana Jul 2018 #74
The way streaming is splitting I'm not sure it's a good deal anymore MattP Jul 2018 #56
Cut the cord hibbing Jul 2018 #58
I cut the cord 3.5 years ago IronLionZion Jul 2018 #64
The streaming services like Netflix and HULU are in conflict with the Hollywood Unions disenfranchised Jul 2018 #69
Um, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon you also have to pay for. Coventina Jul 2018 #71
but you can time your subscription... I keep Amazon all the time... Alternate Netfix and Hulu JCMach1 Jul 2018 #81
Those of us out in the country MuseRider Jul 2018 #78
I used to live in BFE Florida, but did the same thing with the only broadband provider, JCMach1 Jul 2018 #82
We get 20Mbps and to tell you the truth MuseRider Jul 2018 #93
I am around, just have been mostly lurking/reading since 2016 JCMach1 Jul 2018 #100
Look, we have to save coal first underpants Jul 2018 #85
LOL MuseRider Jul 2018 #91
I never thought cable was that expensive...I'll have to look. unitedwethrive Jul 2018 #95
I cut the cord in 2014 crazycatlady Jul 2018 #99
Why is this surprising. Xolodno Jul 2018 #106

LisaM

(27,762 posts)
1. Arrghhh....
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:21 PM
Jul 2018

I know! Let's not have any shared experiences with any of our fellow citizens!!

"Did you watch XX show last night?"

"No! I'm going to watch it next week! Don't spoil it, or talk about it!"

"Oh, okay. I was trying to have something in common we could talk about, but I guess that will never happen now".

underpants

(182,284 posts)
8. Good point
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:34 PM
Jul 2018

The part that gets me is "You HAVE to watch _____". I'm not the most active guy but I really don't want to watch that much TV.

hunter

(38,264 posts)
33. Our eighty year old parents sometimes talk about television like that... "Did you watch...?"
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:29 PM
Jul 2018

"Did you see...?"

... before they remember our answer is always "no."

My wife and I don't feel bad about it. We cut the cable many years ago. And the antenna too.

Our television is a movie player, that's all it does. DVDs and Netflix. Nothing else. So far we've never run out of things to watch and there's still plenty else to talk about besides television.

We're all avid readers, and we go to the movies at least once or twice a month, so there's always that, and those things have always been time shifted, not experiences shared at the same time.

The network television era, which had millions of people in a time zone watching the same thing at the same time, was an anomaly in human history.

If I'm looking to have shared experiences with people I have to make them. Watching a television show at the same time as someone else isn't the same thing.

Flaleftist

(3,473 posts)
41. We already have that with DVR.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:59 PM
Jul 2018

I do believe the cost of cable tv and horrendous customer service are the primary reasons people are cutting the cord. I'm sure cable companies can do something about that if they were so inclined.

LisaM

(27,762 posts)
50. Yes, the deregulation is not good, it hurts consumers.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:26 PM
Jul 2018

I still stand by the value of everyone watching an event at the same time. Before TV, it was radio, before that, it was public speakers making tours, before that, plays and concerts, it's been going on forever, despite the medium. People having experiences in isolation is very bad for society, IMO.

cstanleytech

(26,087 posts)
55. On the other hand television and radio as sources of entertainment has been
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:53 PM
Jul 2018

invaluable for the elderly and disabled who might have a hard time getting out not to mention those in rural areas.

Eyeball_Kid

(7,410 posts)
76. Eventually, they'll go to a menu, a price per channel.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:17 PM
Jul 2018

Or they’ll fail to compete with the much more flexible streaming services.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
116. I cut the cord because of content..
Wed Jul 25, 2018, 07:40 PM
Jul 2018

My generation grew up with television, and the Golden Age of Tv is a real thing.

Took tv about 30 years to ruin itself.
There used to be rules about commercials. That sure changed.
They went from at the beginning and at the end of a show, then in the middle of the show was added, then every 20 minutes, etc. Actual content of a hour long show was 45, then 40 minutes.
later that included LOUD blaring commercials, interrupting sometimes a very moving heartfelt show, or important information.
It was as if you were at a wedding, or a funeral, where some huckster jumped in front of the bride and groom and hawked anti-diarrhea pills. Total mood killer.

They killed over the air television, no one remembers them much anymore.
So we had to pay for cable "packages" of select stations that might include 2-3 shows worth watching, unless you liked endless reruns of truncated commercial laden old shows. They even edited out the content of those old shows to cram more commercials into the episodes.

I have no idea how much cable even costs anymore, that last I heard was 65.00 a month for a basic package. With Comcast, when I was in SF for a few years, that seemed to be the basic teaser rate, then Comcast would increase it every couple of months.
( Mr. Dixie had the tv account there)

Any flak Comcast is getting is richly deserved, IMHO.






 

Sophia4

(3,515 posts)
102. Cable is too expensive.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 09:17 PM
Jul 2018

Many people cannot afford both cable and the internet.

We just have the internet and then Netflix.

Also, basic cable includes Fox News, and I don't want that trash in my house. I don't even want the possibility of Fox News in my house.

msongs

(67,199 posts)
2. cable providers who also provide internet will start throttling and jacking up prices
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:21 PM
Jul 2018

to make up for the loss. and most big time broadband providers are also internet providers

 

manor321

(3,344 posts)
12. 5G might save us
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:37 PM
Jul 2018

The coming wireless 5G networks will provide faster internet than cable. They'll compete against the wired services.

Flaleftist

(3,473 posts)
46. Yes, but there is actually competition.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:06 PM
Jul 2018

Several wireless providers competing with cable companies who have a monopoly in most places could be a good thing.

dembotoz

(16,740 posts)
92. initial target of 5g will be more business oriented at least per att
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 07:22 PM
Jul 2018

The webinar i saw presented it more as a replacement to fiber wireline.
The product they implied would be the thing to sell until 5g shows up was a 4g fixed product that was omg pricey

ATT has never been shy about charging too much

Afromania

(2,767 posts)
60. They can go right ahead and cut the cord. With federal net neutrality in the dust bin I'm sure
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:13 PM
Jul 2018

Last edited Tue Jul 24, 2018, 08:34 PM - Edit history (1)

we'll be seeing tier pricing soon enough. I fully expect there will be a "all media" streaming
package that won't be available unless you buy basic tv and phone. Otherwise it'll be something like $189 a month for just internet.. Just enough that you'll look at a $149 bundle of unlimited internet, tv and phone as reasonable.

shanti

(21,672 posts)
62. I have Comcast/Xfinity
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:31 PM
Jul 2018

My bill is around $85 a month. That's with nothing else. It's been basically the same price since I first got internet, in the 90's. It's the only game in town, so I'm screwed. So......I cut the cord about 18 months ago, and now have DirectvNow, which is streaming, and it includes HBO and Showtime, for about $50. Before I cut the cord, I was paying Directv (no premium channels) about $120 a month and it was continually rising, despite being in the mid-range. I'll take that extra $75 a month and pocket it, thankyouverymuch. With my AppleTV and Roku boxes, it works out beautifully.

Cable teevee prices are just not sustainable anymore.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
86. I remember when all access cable was something like $19 per month.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:46 PM
Jul 2018

Then cable companies got abusive as more people went to cable. They crafted the Basic tier that basically gives a person nothing but network tv, local access tv and CSPAN for around $70 per month. Then the shoved packages down subcriber's throats, a subscriber could not craft a package that had stuff that they watched, they had to buy a lot of stuff that they didn't want. Then cable went hog wild with the Reality tv craze. Slowly, in order to have decent cable in big cities, a person had to pay $150 per month, regardless of whether a second of tv was watched.

The advantage of the new services is that they allow people to buy what they want to watch. But even if the pipe companies don't ruin that, the new companies will in search of more and more profit. If they haven't already, subscribers will start seeing basic packages that they must buy to play, the price of that package will drift up, regardless of what inflation does, and the stuff that people want to watch will be tiered in a way to limit enjoyment without paying more money. Essentially, the new services will become just as bad as the cable companies.

IronLionZion

(45,269 posts)
63. Exactly why they wanted to kill net neutrality
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:31 PM
Jul 2018

they want to fight against their customers instead of adapting to meet the demand for a changing consumer preference

Cable providers are a monopoly in many markets

 

xajj4791

(84 posts)
104. I assume you meant to say
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 10:56 PM
Jul 2018

that most big broadband providers are also cable tv providers.

Luckily, we will have this Blue-wave in 2018 and in 2020 will re-neutralize the internet to prevent this.

dixiegrrrrl

(60,010 posts)
117. They do that now.
Wed Jul 25, 2018, 07:44 PM
Jul 2018

DISH, Direct tv, and the only cable around here, Mediacom, all limit GB, or rather, charge more for increased amounts of it. Tier pricing was supposed to be illegal.
Plus they have prevented any real competition in a market area.

ooky

(8,889 posts)
3. Sounds like an opportunity for the IP's to get rich.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:23 PM
Jul 2018

No more Net Neutrality, Netflix, Amazon etc. surcharges to start appearing on our internet bills.

exboyfil

(17,857 posts)
5. Unless Netflix and Amazon do something about that
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:27 PM
Jul 2018

Then they are going to find complete cord cutting including the internet (at least in my house). I am real close cancelling both with the price increases.

blugbox

(951 posts)
83. Mobile Hotspot
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:30 PM
Jul 2018

Even if it costs a little extra, it's way cheaper than what we may be paying for internet access from cable companies.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
87. My guess.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:53 PM
Jul 2018

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon start their own 4G and 5G tower programs and go to court over airwaves access. In the end, I see cable companies getting screwed. Another thing that the new services can do is buy up smaller cable companies like Charter or buy up mobile phone companies like Sprint and Metro PCS.

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
10. They continue raising prices base price is now $37.50
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:36 PM
Jul 2018

Almost no savings to be had there, plus their app is terrible...

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
38. Just giving my experience with App on Firestick
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:56 PM
Jul 2018

The interface is counterintuitive, the app crashes frequently, and the DVR cuts off shows at the wrong time. Killed the season finale of Legion for me.

So yeah, cancelled...

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
80. Once introduction is done, it's 37.50... left this month
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:22 PM
Jul 2018

for me the pricepoint does not work for how much I use.

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
84. ok
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:38 PM
Jul 2018

With very basic Comcast cable and internet I now pay $97 a month.

I tried giving up cable and using a "Leaf" over the air antenna but had to reposition it six times an hour.

JDC

(10,084 posts)
30. I just moved to DirectTV Now. It takes a little getting used to
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:11 PM
Jul 2018

But we like it. And it is a 3rd of my previous DTV Sat monthly.

I also have Hulu $8, Netflix $11 and Amazon $99 p/yr -or- >$10 monthly and prime shipping.

Still all less than that DTV sat monthly alone

LisaM

(27,762 posts)
51. In our area, DirectTV is always in spats with the local stations.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:27 PM
Jul 2018

Local stations have immense value in an emergency and I don't like not having it.

shanti

(21,672 posts)
66. Just buy an external antenna
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:38 PM
Jul 2018

Cheap and plugs right into the antenna outlet. Then you'll have both.

LisaM

(27,762 posts)
70. Because it's the principle of the thing...
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:48 PM
Jul 2018

I also live in an apartment where DirectTV is not an option, but even if that weren't the case, their not automatically providing local TV no matter what would be a deal breaker for me.

Antennas don't work everywhere either, we spend some time in a cabin on an island and I did buy an antenna so I could watch a game, and it got zero signals from anywhere except two shopping channels - in Chinese - from Canada. Taking TV off publicly-owned airwaves was something I vehemently disagreed with, but apparently my voice counts for nothing. I called the antenna company and they told me I was SOL, there were no receivable digital signals that I could pick up.

shanti

(21,672 posts)
65. I have it
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:37 PM
Jul 2018

and I'm somewhat satisfied with it, now that it has cloud DVR capabilities. Came in on the ground floor and got their special pricing, which was the Go Big package at $35 a month, HBO for an extra $5. It's risen $5 this month. Everything comes thru my AppleTV box, but I also have a Roku in the bedroom. There were a lot of hiccups during the 18 months that I've had it, but most of the kinks have been ironed out. Also tried the other streaming services, but didn't care for them.

There may be a free trial going on. Worth a try...

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
88. I tried Direct TV years ago. Was not really cheaper and getting it
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 07:00 PM
Jul 2018

to work was a bear. I cancelled and went back to cable. The issue that cable has now is wireless, they can get completely bypassed and suppliers deliver content directly to a customers tv receiver. One thing that wireless must do is control gamers hogging up bandwidth and slowing things down for other customers - I really think that I am starting to see that with my phone, when I previously had no issue.

Moostache

(9,895 posts)
6. The death of ESPN is nigh...
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:33 PM
Jul 2018

The single most expensive channel on almost any cable package and one of the main reasons is the exorbitant rights fees paid to leagues like the NFL and MLB and NBA...fuck them all, I am sick and tired of paying a huge monthly bill to support the lifestyles of the rich and overly entitled...why? so another spoiled ass 19 year kid can buy a 3rd Bugatti and 2nd home before buying a legal drink?

American society is sick and has been for a long time. The priorities are warped and the social rewards handed out in terms of money and status disproportionally flow to athletes, models, actors and singers - the very people who (besides bankers) contribute the least to a healthy society. My garbage man is far, far more important to my personal well-being than LeBron James or Tom Brady....yet those 2 combined probably make as much money as ALL garbage collectors in my state for a year or more...

Cable's antiquated pricing model is going the way of the LP/8-track/cassette/CD pre-packaged sale of music or the VHS/DVD/BR pre-packaged sale of films. I can't wait to see what happens when the NFL and NBA are forced to contract teams once their revenue stream - which they have treated like a birth right and unending exponential growth vehicle - dries up and turns to ash in their greedy fucking mouths...

*Full disclosure, I HATE the NFL with a burning passion ever since the league lied to the city and county of St. Louis in representing that there was a chance the Rams would have remained in St. Louis before the truth exposed that the fix to move the team to Los Angeles and enrich the assshole owner further was in from the time he bought the team years earlier. There are two people alive today whose deaths will prompt a celebration from me...one is Trump, the other is Kroenke and I don't care which one dies first...so long as they are confirmed cold and stiff so I can raise a glass to their end.

underpants

(182,284 posts)
32. Sports cable networks
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:25 PM
Jul 2018

I read a few years ago that adding new sports networks to cable packages was the main reason for rate increases - I guess on top of cable providers just jacking up rates.

NBC Fox CBS etc all think they can pull viewers away from Sports Center. They can't. We are creatures of habit. If it doesn't happen in ESPN it doesn't happen. Case in point NASCAR - it basically disappeared from the world. Fox Sports severely restricted footage from the World Cup during the first weekend (their accessibility for those of us unplugged was horrific for the whole tournament) and ratings were down over 40%. The lack of a US team could explain that. Ratings did go back up after the first round matches but that also coincided with ESPN being able to show highlights. Just saying.

yonder

(9,631 posts)
39. +1. Excellent post - especially your 2nd paragraph.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:56 PM
Jul 2018

Keep the citizens in a state of constant assault by the next biggest sporting event, celebrity-studded gala or latest handheld flashy thing and you'll keep that citizen from thinking about the problems that DO exist and questioning how best to solve them.

We'll dance to most any tune our corporate pipers care to call and wearily march in lockstep to our dreary, unsatisfying jobs unaware that our pawnish path has already been determined by unknown plutocratic chess masters.

We've got to figure out a way to jam the game plan. We can start by GOTV this November.

BlancheSplanchnik

(20,219 posts)
61. Love this post! Glad I cut cable over 10 years ago!
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:23 PM
Jul 2018

Also, I too hate NFL, but for very different reasons. Really, *all* the testosterone-drunk sports organizations make me hurl. Too much masculinity-worship, entwined with devaluation of women/femininity.

Even on a personal level (well, the personal is political), the gladiatorial posturing of mega-sports networks and stars really turns me off.

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
73. I've disliked the NFL for longer than the Rams thing
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:01 PM
Jul 2018

completely lost interest when the Cardiac Cardinals moved from St. Louis. The move here by the Rams was something that I completely disagreed with happening as the area taxpayers are on the hook for the damn stadium. I really wish the thing had never been built and I for one was happy that the Rams moved away. The sooner they left the better in my mind.

Johnny2X2X

(18,745 posts)
7. Comcast and AT&T are rip offs
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:33 PM
Jul 2018

They simply do not have a competitive price structure, they need to allow consumers to pick and choose exactly what they want to have in their package. I pay for 230 channels of which I watch about 15.

underpants

(182,284 posts)
22. We did too. It's amazing how little TV I watch now
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:57 PM
Jul 2018

and I love watching TV.

I've found there are just things that don't need to watch.

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)
45. If they do that, then..
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:05 PM
Jul 2018

The providers will jack the price up per channel. Don't forget, that most channels are part of a provider's package, and they will not willingly sell you one channel because they want the ad rates from all those channels.

You are not going to be able to get 15 channels for $15, more like $5 a channel.

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
47. I would gladly pay a couple of bucks for a dedicated NBC news app that had live
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:07 PM
Jul 2018

MSNBC.

Until then, I won't feel guilty because I still have ads to sit through.

 

SkyDancer

(561 posts)
107. If you have a ROKU and want MSNBC...
Wed Jul 25, 2018, 04:42 AM
Jul 2018

There are 2 options.

1) Add Pluto channel to your ROKU who carries MSNBC. That being said, it is split between NBC news coverage and MSNBC. The stream is about 30 minutes behind live tv as well.

2) If you own a smartphone (I know my Galaxy can do this so I assume iPhones can too) there are apps in the Google play store (mine is native to my phone) which allow you to cast content through your ROKU. In other words, you can watch what is showing on your phone on your TV. http://tvpc.us/ChannelList.php is a site which has a massive listing of tv streams from all over the world and there has to be a couple hundred from the USA, one of which is indeed MSNBC.
This is handy for watching on tablets too.

Enjoy

MoonchildCA

(1,301 posts)
108. I have the TuneIn app on my iPhone.
Wed Jul 25, 2018, 09:51 AM
Jul 2018

I recently discovered I can listen to MSNBC and CNN live on it.

It’s pretty cool. I occasionally listen at work and I’m my car.

Oh, and it’s free...

csziggy

(34,120 posts)
109. On Roku get Sling TV Blue and add the news option
Wed Jul 25, 2018, 10:31 AM
Jul 2018

Sling Blue is $25 a month and includes the basic cable channels plus some sports. The news option is $5 extra and includes MSNBC, CNN, BBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, and several others. While it does NOT include Fox News it does have The Blaze.

https://www.sling.com/programming/news#offer-details-open

DesertRat

(27,995 posts)
114. I subscribe to Hulu Live. I'm watching MSNBC live now
Wed Jul 25, 2018, 03:47 PM
Jul 2018

I can stream it through the HULU Live app on my ROKU or on my laptop.

ProfessorGAC

(64,427 posts)
35. Thinking The Same, MM
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:48 PM
Jul 2018

The article specifically mentions "PAY" TV, not satellite or cable. Hulu and Sling aren't free.

On Edit: My cable package includes a streaming app that lets me view anything on my cable line up anywhere i am, including things on the DVR and purchased shows and movies.

So, i'm streaming, sort of, but it's an identical line up. The interface even looks exactly the same as the wired TV's.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
36. TV programming costs money to produce.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:51 PM
Jul 2018

If you want to watch it, you'll going to end up paying for it, one way or another. Ain't nobody out there making TV programs for nothing.

llmart

(15,502 posts)
59. I don't pay for TV.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:10 PM
Jul 2018

I bought a $7 antenna about 8 years ago at the Salvation Army. I get about 15 channels. I get 4 different PBS channels in addition to NBC CBS ABC and some others.

I'm a reader and have never been much of a TV person. If I want to watch a movie, I go to my public library. They carry multiple copies of all the latest releases and entire sets of TV series. That's plenty to keep me occupied in the winter weather.

Luz

(769 posts)
96. Me too. We go to half price books and buy dvds for next to
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 07:44 PM
Jul 2018

nothing. We're a little behind, but just watched 5 seasons of Breaking Bad for abt $20.00. Movies too.

Coventina

(26,874 posts)
72. Yes, thank you! Posted the same downthread.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:52 PM
Jul 2018

(Where no one will ever see it).

Unless someone is using rabbit ears, there's no "free" TV.

 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
18. So what happens when internet providers jack up their rates?
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:46 PM
Jul 2018

The GOP didn't get rid of net neutrality for nothing.

We just have Hulu and OTA now but I could live with just free OTA if pushed enough.

I think the professional sports leagues like MLB, NFL, NBA etc will all go pay per view pretty soon.

And that will end any interest I have in them just like boxing.

 

mythology

(9,527 posts)
24. Net neutrality wouldn't have stopped ISPs from raising rates
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:01 PM
Jul 2018

It would have stopped targeted rate raising and zero rating their own video service. But overall rates and datacaps weren't covered.

The lack of competition or utility style regulated rates is the bigger cost problem. Look at areas where Google brought Google Fiber. Suddenly the existing ISP offered gigabit internet and lower prices. But without competition (or regulated pricing), what's the incentive for an ISP to offer better/cheaper service?

lpbk2713

(42,696 posts)
19. I bought two Rokus about three months ago.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 02:50 PM
Jul 2018



I intended to drop digital cable and save about $100 a month. I found out I can use the Roku as a cable converter in the bedrooms the same as the one in the media room and I get all the same channels. That would cost $15 a month for both if I got them from the cable provider. I might try it like this for a while.

lpbk2713

(42,696 posts)
31. I use a Spectrum app on mine (no charge).
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:12 PM
Jul 2018


Your cableco might have something similar.

I receive all the basic digital channels plus the extras I had been paying for plus
the music channels. They get closed captioning too if you're interested in that.



Added: The one drawback with this is the remote is very basic. The only way to change channels is to use the channel up or channel down. So if you want to go from channel 08 to 370 it might take a while. Also, there is no previous channel function. I only use them in the bedrooms so it isn't a big deal to me.



hunter

(38,264 posts)
79. Sure there is. I never see ads. DVDs and Netflix don't have them.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:21 PM
Jul 2018

At most we'll see an occasional movie trailer.

That's all the television my wife and I watch.

The day I see an ad on Netflix is the day I quit them.

llmart

(15,502 posts)
97. I remember when cable first came out.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 07:51 PM
Jul 2018

It was touted as being "ad free" which it was for awhile. But in an extremely capitalistic country such as ours, it soon became TV with ads and now you have to pay to watch ads.

Dave Starsky

(5,914 posts)
101. Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 08:58 PM
Jul 2018

I remember, too. Cable TOUTED themselves as being ad-free watching.

Those days are long gone.

Guy Whitey Corngood

(26,483 posts)
25. AT&T sends me like 10 Direct TV emails a fucking week. Haven't had cable
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 03:04 PM
Jul 2018

in ages. Although Direct TV seems to be establishing a streaming presence in preparation for the coming Cablepocalypse.

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
42. Keep in mind Spectrum is exclusive to Roku
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:00 PM
Jul 2018

And DIRECTV NOW ON AMAZON FIRESTICK...

They don't tell you this stuff on the box...

You can get spectrum on FIRESTICK, but it requires a complicated side load.

underpants

(182,284 posts)
44. I have one and we get 17 channels
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:05 PM
Jul 2018

Each network affiliate has their regular channel and then weather on a loop and a rerun channel like MeTV. Then we get 3 PBS stations, a Law and Order franchise rerun channel, and some Sci-Fi type channel.

EX500rider

(10,532 posts)
54. Ouch...I get over 60 on my antenna in the Tampa bay area..
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:52 PM
Jul 2018

....of course some are religious channels and some are Spanish channels.

Revanchist

(1,375 posts)
75. There is one digital station where I live now
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:07 PM
Jul 2018

I wound up giving my antenna to a friend in lives in a more urban area

ananda

(28,783 posts)
48. I just cut the cord myself.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:09 PM
Jul 2018

Internet only.

Two tv's, each with a Roku box and a dvd player.

I have Netflix, Hulu, Prime, and Acorn TV.

Love it so far!!!!!!!!!

Dave Starsky

(5,914 posts)
53. That's essentially what I have.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:47 PM
Jul 2018

I haven't had cable in 25 years. I've never, ever missed it.

Occasionally when I travel, I check out what the local cable channels are offering. As I surf around the dial, I see infomercial, infomercial, pharmaceutical ad, regular ad, pharmaceutical ad, infomercial, sport event that I don't give a shit about, infomercial, pharmaceutical ad, pharmaceutical ad, infomercial, pharmaceutical ad, infomercial, sport event that I don't give a shit about, infomercial, pharmaceutical ad, pharmaceutical ad, infomercial, REALITY SHOW about something I don't care about, pharmaceutical ad, infomercial, sport event that I don't give a shit about, infomercial, pharmaceutical ad, pharmaceutical ad, infomercial...

That's what people are paying hundreds of dollars a month for. Fuck that.

matt819

(10,749 posts)
52. Rather
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 04:42 PM
Jul 2018

They’re leaving cable tv for other services. It’s not as if those other services are free. People are choosing an a la carte approach, which can sometimes add up to more than cable. Plus there’s the cost of broadband.

Mariana

(14,849 posts)
74. Customers have been pleading for a la carte service
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:02 PM
Jul 2018

since the beginning of cable TV. It's no wonder they'll go to services that provide it, even if it does cost more in the long run.

hibbing

(10,076 posts)
58. Cut the cord
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:07 PM
Jul 2018

I dropped my cable service over a year ago after my bill skyrocketed. I have become a Netflix freak. We have had a monopoly cable company in town for decades. They finally have some competition, but I have a feeling after it all pans out, all the providers will have about the same pricing structure.


Peace

IronLionZion

(45,269 posts)
64. I cut the cord 3.5 years ago
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:36 PM
Jul 2018

Cable TV is just not worth the costs and arbitrary extra fees. I'm at the mercy of Comcast as they are the monopoly high speed internet provider but I get TV through a digital antenna plus Netflix and Amazon Prime.

I don't currently have premium channels but if I wanted them, Amazon Prime offers them as streaming services for a lower price than cable.

disenfranchised

(268 posts)
69. The streaming services like Netflix and HULU are in conflict with the Hollywood Unions
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:46 PM
Jul 2018

[link:https://www.indiewire.com/2018/07/iatse-strike-negotiation-streaming-future-hollywood-union-crews-1201983279/|

I know we cheer when big companies like the cable companies take a hit. The CEOs aren't the ones who suffer. As the viewing habits switch, there are real hard working people who will suffer from this switch in viewing habits. Most of the ones who will be hurt will be liberal democrats in the below the line Hollywood trades.

Coventina

(26,874 posts)
71. Um, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon you also have to pay for.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 05:50 PM
Jul 2018

Unless you are using rabbit ears, there is no "free" TV.

MuseRider

(34,060 posts)
78. Those of us out in the country
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:21 PM
Jul 2018

who barely have streaming service at all will be hanging on for a while. Our wireless access is just OK right now for streaming but it is not stable and there are days we are still waiting for pages to load reading a website, not good if you are trying to stream TV. *sigh* Why do other countries make it easy for everyone to have access but this big, "richest country in the world" cannot manage at all. LOL.

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
82. I used to live in BFE Florida, but did the same thing with the only broadband provider,
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:25 PM
Jul 2018

Windstream... just get the fastest broadband you can afford and have access to...

MuseRider

(34,060 posts)
93. We get 20Mbps and to tell you the truth
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 07:25 PM
Jul 2018

while it is unstable and at times not nearly that it is like moving into the future for us. We were at 3 - 7 Mbps before. We can actually use Hulu most of the time but it does hang up and stall on us.

I am not complaining as much as stating that there are real deserts where people really cannot get much at all over the Net or TV if it relies on streaming.

For us, my god, 20 download is amazing.

I have not seen you around for a long time, good to see you again.

underpants

(182,284 posts)
85. Look, we have to save coal first
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 06:39 PM
Jul 2018

Then we'll get around to bringing y'all into the 21st century with the continuing your education and small businesses losing out due to slow speeds thing.

MuseRider

(34,060 posts)
91. LOL
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 07:19 PM
Jul 2018

Yeah, old and stupid in Kansas. There are still people out there with dial up, all over the country with dial up. I cannot believe it.

At least with coal I could, if needed, fire it up and send a smoke signal!

unitedwethrive

(1,997 posts)
95. I never thought cable was that expensive...I'll have to look.
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 07:28 PM
Jul 2018

I know ours is bundled with phone and internet, but it doesn't seem that bad for all three services.

crazycatlady

(4,492 posts)
99. I cut the cord in 2014
Tue Jul 24, 2018, 08:06 PM
Jul 2018

And haven't looked back. The only time I really watch TV is if I'm staying at a hotel. The first thing I notice is how many commercials there are. THe talking heads on cable news shouting over each other now give me a headache.

I don't listen to the radio either. Aux cord and Netflix/Prime have replaced my radio and TV consumption.

Xolodno

(6,341 posts)
106. Why is this surprising.
Wed Jul 25, 2018, 12:02 AM
Jul 2018

Prices/bills/etc. go up...wages don't rise equitably, so people look for areas to cut back. We had cable way back when, then while visiting Blockbuster saw the kiosk for DirecTV. Made the move. But then things started to creep up over time and tiering issues, this channel we like is on this more expensive package, etc.

So when the rent went up, dropped DirecTV and got the FireTV box. We've added Hulu...cheap version and Sling TV. We'll sub to CBS, Playstation VUE, etc. for a month for certain things...up our sub on Sling during Hockey season. And with all that, still paying less than we had with DirecTV, plus we didn't get the NHL channel with them.

Bottom line, pay tv providers need to adapt and providers of content need to do so as well. People ultimately make choices based on their economics...its foolish to think otherwise.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Cord cutting accelerates ...