[opendtv] Re: F.C.C. Sees Cable Savings in à la Carte
- From: "Albert Manfredi" <bert22306@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2006 19:17:38 -0500
Richard Hollandsworth wrote:
>There is a huge difference between announced FAMILY FRIENDLY
>digital tier (starts next month) and the least expensive digital tier
>which would include most of those same channels.
I'm not sure what point you're making, Richard. The FCC, in its previous
report, had already supported greater variety in tiers (bundled programs).
What they are saying now is pure a la carte is cheaper. Of course, it can
be, for those who will remain satisfied with very few channels.
Also, they admit that there will some channels that will get axed under pure
a la carte, for lack of interest from subscribers. I find this natural, of
course, but I know there are some on here who have often argued on behalf of
unknown producers getting a chance. The same people who want a la carte
program selection.
If these iunknown producers had any chance under bundled programs, because
many TV viewers *do* surf channels when they have nothing specific to watch,
and would therefore stumble upon shows they otherwise would have missed, the
unknowns would very likely get no chance with a la carte. Here's part of the
quote:
"49. In addition, while the First Report focuses on a possible negative
impact of a la carte on smaller networks, highly valued networks may find an
increase in revenues under a la carte. As discussed below, a la carte could
weed out those networks that consumers value at less than the networks?
costs, thereby shifting some viewers to more valuable networks. As a result
of this shift, more valuable networks? ratings might rise, which could lead
to additional revenues for those networks."
Exactly.
All in all, it seems to me that the savings with pure a la carte appear to
be slim, or sometimes none, while some of the benefits of exposure for
unknown producers, which have been touted as a good thing, will be lost.
I'm frankly puzzled by this latest report. I'd love to see Booz Allen's
rebuttal. It sounds suspiciously like the FCC didn't get the answers they
wanted to see. It's inconceivable that the previous report could have been
so full of flaws and have passed muster then.
Bert
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