Posted on 01/20/2006 9:12:46 AM PST by AT7Saluki
WASHINGTON - Two U.S. senators Thursday urged the cable and satellite television industry to address the glaring absence of popular sports channels from new packages of family-oriented programming they plan to offer.But so far, the three biggest cable companies and both satellite television providers have unveiled packages without popular sports channels, like Walt Disney Co.'s ESPN. They do include broadcast channels that carry some sports.
"You're going to have to come up with a family tier plus sports," said Sen. George Allen, a Virginia Republican and former football player in college. "The marketplace is going to want to have that."
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
I believe there are lots of customers who would opt for a no-sports package. It's a real market segment. I don't know whether or not it is big enough to be profitable, but if it is, then it makes sense for cable and satellite companies to offer these packages.
Why are US Senators even talking about this? What business is it of the government's?
This is nuts. They must think Cable companies are government entities, like the BBC.
:p The day that the Senate can make something with their own money and run profitably is the day I may believe them.
Having seen some of the commercials during sports programs, I don't think they're even remotely appropriate for family TV packages.
I'm amazed though that our government even has TIME to talk about this, what with a pesky little war and wide-open borders going on...
Then let the marketplace decide that, Senator Allen. With a busybody attitude like this, you seriously want to run for President as a Republican?
Frankly if I order a "family friendly" package.. professional and college sports broadcasts largely would NOT be part of what I would want.
I have no desire to have my kids watch a bunch of overpaid thugs act like children.. talk trash.. etc.
Calling Sports Channels "family friendly" is a joke.
Would someone explain to me why we PAY for cable when it has so many commercials as to be ridiculous. I remember when cable first came out, it was going to be commercial-less and wonderful. I don't see much difference between cable and regular TV other than that we pay to see commercials.
You should see the part where it says that congress can specify exactly what a business can sell.
I'm looking for it....
Give me a minute... I'm still looking....
I'm so glad that there are no real problems in the US, at least none of substance.
What else could explain lawmakers going beyond their bounds to meddle with something so trivial?
I believe a candidate should be administered a written test on the Constitution and the proper role of a legislator in the government before they are permitted on the ballot.
Guys, cable companies are a regulated utility, just like the power company. They are granted a monopoly to service a given area. In exchange for that monopoly, we have a right through our elected officials to determine what kind of service we get and how much they can charge.
To all those conservatives who busted their butts to help Allen win. Suckers!!!
"You're going to have to come up with a family tier plus sports," said Sen. George Allen, a Virginia Republican and former football player in college. "The marketplace is going to want to have that."
Absolutely right George so shut up and let the MARKETPLACE take care of it. This is no place for senatorial oversight.
He ain't it, man. We're still looking for a logical 2008 nominee - every name mentioned so far is flawed in some way or another.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that was appalled.
Must have been different in your area. I suspect we got cable much earlier than you did, because when cable first came out in my area around 1972 or 1973 there was no such promise. The first commercial free TV I ever saw was HBO a few years later. I still remember when HBO came on at 5pm and when off the air at 4am.
I'm going to guess, that he will cite the Commerce clause as the constitutional basis for this, as cable, and televised entertainment are commerce between the states.
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