Cancelling Cable

[Cerran]

More of a news item but :

Cable customers have seen price increases that are over three times inflation over the past five years. These rate hikes have drawn criticism from customers and watchdog groups alike. Invariably, the cable companies attribute the increases to higher programming costs along with upgrades that bring added features and "value" to customers. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz) has been one of the industry's most outspoken critics, and last week, oversaw hearings into continual cable rate hikes (abridged, nonregistration version here). McCain has been championing a la carte programming that allows customer choice while promising lower cable bills.

"When I go to the grocery store to buy a quart of milk, I don't have to buy a package of celery and a bunch of broccoli," McCain said in an interview on Wednesday. "I don't like broccoli." He argues that it's not an either-or situation for cable companies: They could continue to offer packages for consumers who wanted them and a la carte for other viewers.

McCain is mulling the idea of an amendment to a spending bill that would require cable companies to offer a la carte programming. Cable representatives counter that a la carte programming would not benefit the customer since they gain rate breaks from content providers by bundling channels. They also contend regulation would harm niche channels and limit new services that would give satellite TV providers an upper hand.

Cable companies have a valid point about buying programming piecemeal from content providers. Media conglomerates would likely jack up the rates for channels like ESPN or USA Network to offset the losses from less popular channels. In the end, customers may not see a significant change in their bills if they are able to pick and choose what channels they want. Still, complaints about possible cable regulation are hard to swallow when there are reports that profit margins for some cable providers are upwards of 45 percent per customer. There are also charges by critics that cable TV customers are subsidizing services like high speed internet, investments into future features they will not likely use, and blockbuster deals.

Lost in the rhetoric is that cable companies see deregulation as key in maintaining their dominant position. Contrary to one analyst's claim of a "competitive balance between cable and satellite," that balance is only recently emerging from a customer revolt against higher cable rates borne from localized cable monopolies. Cable seems happy with the status quo and isn't hesitant in passing programming costs on to the customer. Meanwhile, satellite TV providers have taken the initiative to hold down rates. If cable refuses in acquiescing to customer demands, satellite may gain the upper hand with or without a la carte programming.

Took it from Ars Technica a PC news website

[His son]

My wife and I got rid of our TV in 95, and what a blessing. You can get the 700 club on your computer a real true news source no liberal spin, and you can also get TBN whereby you can access the news as well as a lot of resources for your relationship with God. There are also some other Christian news sources on the web that I use, and I find that I am as well versed in the latest news as most.

I am now retired and spend 90% of my time reading The Bible meditating on The Scriptures, praying talking to those God brings accross my path about the Word of God. We have never been so happy and content with our lives, other than the time we were with YWAM, Teen Challenge, International Chaplains Association, and pastoring a church. We have retired from all this because of my physical health which I caused with cigarettes, and the drugs, and criminal life I engaged in BC. If you do get rid of it and spend your time seeking God with all your heart soul mind, and strength in all you do you will never be sorry. You can practice the presence of God regardless of what you are doing.

[Guest LCPGUY]

Hey His,

that's a cool testimony.

I watch very little TV, but still do watch the shows I've mentioned before.

I listen to both Christian and conservative radio rather than watch TV for the most part.

I always liked much of the Christian programming only on the internet via streaming. Trouble is, my computer is in another room and I wanted to hear it on the Radio. Sooo... I got a little FM transmitter from CC Crane. I plug it into my computer, set the frequency and enjoy internet radio all over the house, wherever I have an FM radio.

Yes, there are alternatives.

Bro John

[artsylady]

My husband just said we were cancelling our cable on Monday, (that would be AFTER the big Survivor finale)! I'm scared! Help! lol.

[artsylady]

lol!

He's the real TV addict. I'm not so much actually, but I will admit it does keep the kids occupied when I need to get stuff done. (I know, shame, shame) I don't know why this seems like such a big step. Maybe I'm afraid my husband will be pacing around bugging me wondering what to do! lol.

[Guest mlady1970]

My kids watch T.V. Too much I could do without it. We didn't have a T.V. for 2 years and then we got it back again I'd like to get rid of it again. You get alot more done around the house without it.

[salt and light]

ICPGUY,

I understand what you are saying,and in fact,I have 60 episodes of Happy Days" on tape,and "The Rifle Man",at least 25 episodes of them. I don't miss cabel,and besides,sending my two children to a christian school this coming school year is going to be a little costly,so I really won't be able to afford it anyway,and besides,I quit watching christian programs a long time ago. I just listen to my pastor on his radio program every Sunday morning while getting ready to go to church,and see and hear him preach in person.

[mobile21]

Catsmeow said: "I have satellite dish and it's not much..bout' 35 bucks a month. I enjoy MSNBC and FOXNEWS so the dish stays."

Ginakay said: "We live in the boonies so we have a satellite. I enjoy Fox news" and also "I watch Fox news every at least for a time every evening to get an idea of what is going on in the world."

Lcpguy said: "Keep the Cable and just watch FOX News Channel for your news. It's the last of fair news."

LadyC said: "i can't give up fox news."

Anonymous said: "I get aprox 75 channels.... and only watch about 5 of them: *Fox Cable News"

***FOX VIEWERS WORST INFORMED***

This fascinating study done by the University of Maryland reveals 60% of Americans believed at least one of the following:

1) US forces found WMD (none were found)

2) Saddam was found to be behind 9/11 (no proof of this has been found)

3) People in foreign countries supported the war (the majority of people in foreign countries oppose the war, except in the US and Israel)

9,611 people were asked

80% of those who watched FOX as their source believed one of these misconceptions, while only 23% of NPR listeners did

85% of those who believed all 3 of these lies supports the war, while only 22% of those who believed none of these lies supports it.

So basically proves that more misinformation correlates with support for the war.

http://www.pipa.org/OnlineReports/Iraq/Med...2_03_Report.pdf

[Khristeeanos]

I don't watch the Hella-vision anymore.

Too much sexual immorality, cursing, homosexual behavior, and impurity.

We are called by God to be different.

My Bible still says:

Matthew 5:48

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

1 Peter 1:15-16

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

And to me the most important one of all:

Psalm 101:3

I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.

I know that television itself is not wicked, but the programming that comes through it is very wicked and has no place in a Christians life.

Shut it off and give the money to the church--God can use it to spread the Gospel.

[salt and light]

Dime Ministries,

Amen to that.