IIRC, "a la carte" cable programming would require congressional deregulation of the FCC. There are also powerful lobbying interests for the telecom industry that are very against it, so they have plenty of congresscritters bought and paid for to keep it from happening.
“IIRC, “a la carte” cable programming would require congressional deregulation of the FCC. “
Common misconception. Cable operators are perfectly free to offer a la carte services at any time — although they want everyone to blame Congress and the FCC.
Cable operators don’t want a la carte — they can charge more for more channels.
It would take FCC regs or Congressional action to force it.