Unless the law is changed, cable companies are prohibited from offering a la carte channels.
That’s what most people think. And it’s one hundred percent false.
People think that because the cable companies want them to think that.
The truth is it’s perfectly legal for cable companies to offer a la carte channel purchasing. But there’s more money to be made with ‘”mandatory” packages, so they straight-up lie about why they “can’t” let you buy just the channels you want.
What individual cities need to do is start reviewing their contracts with cable providers. Award the franchise only to companies willing to offer a la carte channels. Cities own cable delivery system rights, just like the American public owns the broadcast airwaves.
The networks bundle their offerings to the cable companies. The cable companies are not free to unbundle.