“SNL Kagan data also indicates that cable penetration of homes passed peaked at 65.5% in 1998. As of yearend 2006, cable subscriptions stood at 65.4 million, or 58.4% of 111.9 million homes passed, according to the data. Due to two recent quarters of declining cable subscriptions, this figure is likely to drop further by the end of 2007, SNL Kagan said.”
http://www.marketingcharts.com/television/snl-kagan-cable-subscription-data-contradicts-fcc-chairman-kevin-martin-2634/
cable television, has enjoyed a two-tiered revenue model of subscription and advertising. The growth of new technology has moved content outside the gated, subscription window, into an open access model. Consequently, the subscription model has lost as it is no longer necessary to “pay to play”. Cable operators should take notice of this trend. As video content leaves the gated walls of its liner channel for Hulu and online consumption, the consumer may stop paying for its cable subscription and devotes itself to a web based experience. Any monetization will come from advertising until the industry figures out a new media subscription model.
http://entertain247.blogspot.com/2008/10/mourning-old-medias-decline.html
I can get HDTV for free!