The government took over pricing in 1996. The formulae established was supposed to provide an incentive to establish new channels that filled niches.
Many of the channels that are carried TNT, TBS, etc are bundled by the supplier to force wider distribution.
Very, very few of the channels pay the cable provider. It is quite the opposite. The cable providers are subject to the whim of the programmers.
The NCAA just announced they will split the final four between CBS and TBS. You think this will result in TBS/TNT’s carry fees to drop? Not a chance. The fees THEY are paying to the NCAA will come from TBS from the cable operators who will gleefully pass them along to you.
People bitch about the programming, but if you had only the channels you watch you would have ten to fifteen channels and it would cost you more. Plus the technology to delivery it will increase your monthly fees.
Its a stupid idea put forth by people who do not understand how the system works and how the government has “effed” it already for the past 15 years or so.
The cable companies need less regulation, not more.
Well said my friend !!