I wish I could pick and choose what channels I pay for, aside from the obvious solution of not paying for any of them.
However, it is deeply insidious for us to continue down the path of dictating what services private companies must offer.
Kick their stupid wires out of the public right of way, and off our HOA’s land. Or, they can offer what we want!
“However, it is deeply insidious for us to continue down the path of dictating what services private companies must offer.”
It’s not a “private company” when you are enjoying government controlled access to public infrastructure via cable systems.
Would you say the electric company is “private” and should be unregulated? How about water service?
Cable is a PUBLIC utility. Private companies are allowed to use public infrastructure... but they MUST be responsive to the public. We don’t own the content, but we own the means of transmission.
ABC, CBS, and NBC might be private companies... but they don’t exist without a license to broadcast on the public airwaves. That’s why they’re also subject to regulation.
Why shouldn’t cable companies be subject to regulation? I own their means of transmission. It’s my street.