Why Cable & Satellite TV Is So Expensive

[@AntennaMan]

📡 Be a true cord cutter with an antenna! Sign up for an antenna recommendation from me below: 👉 www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html

[@joebananatube]

Why am I paying for commercials? If I'm paying for TV, it shouldn't have commercials. And I'm tired of it.

[@thebigmann81]

@Beau Lijah your not paying for commercials you receive them free with every cable or satellite package . They are free so enjoy all the free commercials your heart desires. 😂🤣🤣

[@nydelicious4u]

that’s what I ask myself commercials should pay for our cable

[@fixinphil]

Record everything I watch. Zip through the commercials.

[@stevenvictx]

Your paying for the networks, cable bill is for the cable company profits. Not the network.

[@smolcan4984]

this comment brume mmmy brrraaaasiinnnnnnnnnnnn

[@erniepforr7155]

I'll get cable when they pay ME for watching their commercials

[@BandOfTheForbidden]

Do you think the city should pay you because you drive by the same billboard every day on the way to work?

[@davidtheiss7108]

@@BandOfTheForbidden No, the advertiser on that billboard should.

[@StephEWaterstram]

People used to subscribe to cable because the cable channels didn't have advertisements because the subscribers would be paying for it until 1982.

[@canadianpsycho1867]

A quarter of all satellite and cable programming is just commercial breaks. That’s why I don’t have it anymore.

[@robertmitchum2972]

It’s more like 32% and growing. And the old 30 second commercial is more like 3 minuets...... Sickening isn’t it?

[@desertmaverick7567]

@@robertmitchum2972 I agree. I don't watch TV anymore. The ad's are just marketing brain washing. I don't listen to music on the radio anymore for the same reason. I read books, still do like to KZbin, and have a library of my own movies. Soon I will drop KZbin because of all of the ad's on these channels. It's absolutely ridiculous!!!

[@michaelb.8953]

@@desertmaverick7567 KZbin is my evening TV as I haven't turned on my TV in well over three months and I dumped cable and all traditional TV services 8 years ago. Just get an ad blocker and you'll never see an ad on KZbin.

[@canadianpsycho1867]

james c how far away are they?

[@Nyet-Zdyes]

"A quarter of all satellite and cable programming is just commercial breaks." - and this is exactly the reason that these huge media companies screwing over their "hosting" cable/satellite companies is just so very WRONG... Without the satellite/cable companies, those huge media companies like ESPN wouldn't have ANY viewers, and without viewers, no other company would pay for the "privilege" of getting a commerical broadcast. Antenna Man is spot on with a lot of his analysis... but I think he's wrong on one point... The "madness" just might end very soon... just as Netflix helped to put Blockbuster out of business... With the big companies like Fox looking to provide their own Internet-based transmission., "broadcasting", they won't need the satellite/cable companies anymore. Other big outfits like Disney-Fox are looking to do the same thing... and we can all expect this to heavily impact Netflix, too. Also, Antenna Man didn't mention the HUGE cost of running and maintaining the cable for cable TV, or building satellites and getting them into orbit... and then buying/renting that portion of the broadcast spectrum... and without the Space Shuttle program, a bad/broken satellite now has to be replaced, instead of repaired.

[@riverraisin1]

I'm old enough to remember when cable TV meant no commercials. Back when A&E showed ballet, History Channel showed history docs, and MTV showed music videos. I know, I know....OK, Boomer :)

[@cyak1551]

I love this guy. I cut the cord back in 2012, but it took a few years harping on the wife around this. She actually survived not having Food Network! Who would have thought?!??! Now, it is almost hard to believe that we even had cable during that period of our lives. We have saved THOUSANDS by this point. Bought a $30 antenna, and spent around $300 building an HTPC using Windows Media Center for the TV Guide and recording local channels. To this day, this is still our setup, almost 8 years later, and have not needed to spend another nickel towards this. For people watching this debating around cutting the cord, please, DO THIS. Do some research, educate yourself (this channel is an excellent resource), and save your money!

[@AugustoLugo1983]

I want to hear your tips and how you did it, always good to save money. Thanks for sharing.

[@cyak1551]

@@AugustoLugo1983 Augusto, this channel is a wealth of information on various options for cutting the cord. There are a lot more options around for DVR nowadays, such as the Amazon Fire TV Recast, which works with your antenna and allows recording of local channels. This will likely be my next solution if my HTPC ever dies. I would definitely suggest looking into the Amazon Fire TV Recast, as this will likely work for most people.

[@TigerTT]

I used to love Food Network but its SO overrated now with millions of cooking youtube channels available to watch anywhere lol

[@treborironwolfe978]

I'm very tempted to ask.. so I will: Did you find you and your wife cooking MORE recipes together after crapcanning Food Network? ;)

[@treborironwolfe978]

@@shiwomino5775 I think he means that he watches "some" cable channels "on" the internet for cheap (or less) ;)

[@sa3270]

I cut cable a couple years ago and don't miss it.

[@ClintMaas]

How are you getting internet?

[@sa3270]

@@ClintMaas Cable. I meant I cut cable TV.

[@aamirhooda937]

Stfu cable is based

[@rokodera]

This guy is exactly right and, what’s more, he has his facts straight. I cut the cable cord to avoid the extortionate rates and I’ve survived just fine.

[@maon7565]

Its all just social engineering anyway, cut the damn cord, read a book for a change, or even engage another human in a genuine conversation!

[@davidburton4582]

I agree. Leave the tv off for a change, and leave Facebook off for a change.

[@ronb6182]

@ⅰи∂ㄩㄅ360 you cannot! You are only cutting yourself off all your account is still floating around the web.

[@ronb6182]

@ⅰи∂ㄩㄅ360 I already tried and when I went back there were tons of messages and notifications from the period I was so called deleted.

[@ronb6182]

@@SpeedUpThatComputer we are bracing for another huricane and like the last one the internet and cable service will probably go down as well. During that time the whole neighborhood will connect with each other and help each other out. We lost the art of connecting with each other when TV, radio and social media like Facebook, MySpace and twitter came on the scene. So there is some good in calamity.

[@davidlafleche1142]

@ⅰи∂ㄩㄅ360 Then write a book. tiolibooks.com/blank_1.html

[@whatsthebigfndeal]

I bought an antenna for 45 bucks and now I get my propaganda for free

[@adrianstanfill7554]

whatsthebigfndeal lol that was great

[@dtbone6]

respect sir...haha

[@lorendsalazar]

Propaganda is correct description. America remains the most media manipulated nation on the planet. The recent "Russia Collusion Hoax" is a perfect example of how gullible Americans are to being manipulated by media corporations.

[@tonyv8925]

Agreed!. I bought a Winegard $39 antenna, $30 for two sections of heavy duty mast, $17 for 75feet of coax, $.25 for a transformer at a garage sale, hooked the whole system to my back up flat screen tv 3 years ago. It does not owe me anything! I get 26 local channels including weather radar and I am doing just fine! Unfortunately, wife watches cable...so, go figure? LOL

[@MrEljefe0000]

who the heck uses cable anymore just get yourself internet that's it, buy a $20 antenna and get a cheap iptv service some are $5 a month with a ton of channels if that's what your into

[@OrganNLou]

THIS IS WHY I CUT THE CORD AND WENT WITH INTERNET ONLY!

[@morganrussman]

Granted, I'm not in my own rental or mortgage'd house yet, but, I'm in the same boat, all I really pay for at the moment is Verizon for phone and internet, car insurance, Netflix, and Amazon prime, and of course fuel for the car, but that's about it, I could care less about pay TV subscription services.

[@rogersowers9837]

I can remember when MTV came out and my cable company monthly bill was $8.50. (1984)

[@ZingOnMate]

Sure it wasn’t 1981? Definitely cool as

[@teddypreston5525]

I am old enough to remember when cable companies where using; as there selling points, that there where no commercials on these channels. Considering this the cost are much higher now a days. Since the time that you are viewing is diminish by all this adds. It all comes down to simple greed.

[@matthewnelson6729]

I never knew all if this information before! Your channel is so informative in cutting cord options! Thank you!

[@Rexxthespecialist]

I cut the cord like 10 years ago, best decision ever.

[@WhittyPics]

I got tired of paying $100 a month for what was basically local channels. I need to get an outdoor antenna but I am getting about everything I was watching on an indoor antenna

[@BillBadMule123]

I get 29 channels here on an indoor ant. and anything else I want to watch I can watch for free on the internet

[@outdoorsguy]

I get all the local and public access channels on my rabbit ears. I live in Los Angeles with a clear line of sight to Mt. Wilson.

[@CityDude72]

Thanks for posting this video. Very well explained. I cut the cord years ago because I only watched 5 or 6 of the 80+ channels I paid for. I refused to pay for a bunch of channels I didn't watch or listen to. I'm much happier with streaming my tv channels and getting ota local channels free. I have saved thousands of dollars since 2015. I hope your video persuades more people to cut cable tv service since you are right that is the only leverage consumers have against price increases.

[@johnbalzano6588]

We cut the cord almost 2 years ago. The withdrawal symptoms lasted for about a month and a half. When we got the internet/phone bill (same company as CATV) withdrawal symptoms disappeared.

[@Columbus1152]

Wow! Great analysis Tyler! Way back "in the day" the government saw the wisdom of keeping monopolies at bay, but that has changed over the past 30-35 years, we've been reversing the trend. Unfortunately those same media companies control a lot of broadcast TV too.

[@jcx5659]

Campaign Finance laws have changed dramatically. It's a lot easier to buy politicians today.

[@Columbus1152]

@@jcx5659 Absolutely!!!!!!

[@altlandf]

George Carlin talked about this in American dreams. Kelly King of BBT Bank has brought all the regulators so they can steal from ppl.

[@RobbieStrike]

well said, I have antenna #FreeSatelliteTV and I also Enjoy videos like this one on KZbin more that what is on most Broadcast TV. You learn more from watching KZbin than most Broadcast Cable Programs!

[@hilaryweiner893]

Tyler, great job! One thing I would note is if you are in a market serviced by one of the large cable companies, they have as much leverage as the media conglomerates to negotiate rates but they won't do so. Often their money is earned by up selling packages that have a high profit margin, renting set top boxes, and services. As an example, Verizon Fios just recently finished wiring my build so the marketing folks gave us a presentation. The Custom TV package seems like a great deal for $80/month on the triple play. But you must rent at least one set top box ($12/mo) and either rent their router ($12/mo) or buy it ($200 flat fee). If you want DVR, that's another $12/mo with no physical box. None of the packages have everything most people want, and all include the Regional Sports Networks (RSN), so you are paying a monthly RSN fee. Plus you are paying state and local taxes on TV which is really a streaming service and a home phone that probably won't get used. Believe it or not, Cox (also in my building) is even worse.

[@tjam4229]

I really just need basic internet access and KZbin to survive. I’m addicted to the variety of info gained from youtube. Who needs anything else?!

[@mischermer4767]

unfortunately, soon internet service will be afflicted by the same business ethics which came to plague cable television services and satellite services afterward, and soon even off-air television as well. greed is everywhere

[@txyz9294]

I used to be to KZbin until they started censoring so many things that THEY don't like. I want to see both sides of a coin, not just the one KZbin thinks I should see.. So I've strayed away alot from KZbin in favor of other areas that aren't so left wing biased as KZbin is...

[@1houndgal]

@@mischermer4767 I fear you may be right about this.

[@toonlinkssbb515]

@@1houndgal I still remember when KZbin wasn't about the ads...

[@josephkof97]

@@toonlinkssbb515 those were the "golden days"

[@eguyntx1812]

Excellent video I cut my cord years ago!

[@jcx5659]

I cut the cord a month ago. Now have Netflix, Amazon Prime and about 25 free channels on Roku, plus about 60 channels OTA. My Comcast bill went from $140 to $40 for 200 MB internet. And we are not looking back.

[@joeculver7489]

As i tell my friends “if most of you turn off cable the prices will go down” . Quit paying.

[@rtex8563]

My AT&T bill went up $60 one month without notice. The package deal had expired without notification. The only way to get my bill down was to stop watching DIY network. It was only available by paying for 3 levels higher service. After lots of negotiating, I was able to get the bill down to only $5 more than previously. I am generally for free trade. But consumers shouldn't be forced to pay for channels they don't watch. Companies should have to disclose exactly when special discounts are ending. Congress needs to reign in these huge monopolies. AT&T isn't exactly hurting from higher programming fees. The just bought Time Warner.

[@macsnafu]

Congress needs to reign in these monopolies? How do you think they got so big in the first place? Government regulations and protectionism.

[@ThePatriots010304]

I’m one of the few people who cut the cord and went back. I went back to comcast/xfinity for cable and internet and I absolutely love it. I pay $113.99 a month for tv and internet which is expensive but I keep my expenses low in other areas so it’s worth it for me.

[@gott2641]

What I find interesting is that while the cost of subscribing to cable goes UP, the quality of the offered programming goes DOWN... inverse relationship.

[@mreighties2860]

My cable company dropped a couple of premium channels and then raised the cable bill. I am very close to cutting the cord as my bill is over $250 a month. KZbin TV (60+ channels) and a couple premium channels will be under $100.

[@outdoorsguy]

@@mreighties2860 $250 a month?!? 😲 Holy f'n shyt... stop the bleeding!!!

[@leejamestheliar2085]

I did field engineering with Cablevision in Cleveland, the two elder brothers who owned the company got caught stealing BILLIONS of dollars, and went to prison. It is mostly greed, like everything else. Don't kid yourself! Bye now, buy now, we are going out of business so, get yours or you won't have any...........

[@arricammarques1955]

Streaming is hitting the cable companies. Its about time too cut the cord, buy HDTV antenna.

[@robertmitchum2972]

Lee James The very first though in my mind and my post here............ GREED💩

[@Danny-bd1ch]

I cut the cord, but I am still getting screwed for internet ($82/month with own equip).

[@huntertjohnson521]

Good and honest explanations for where the blame lies with high cable bills. Most people don't seem to understand the media market. Problem is that before long, the media companies that are launching all the Over the Top services will start billing that directly to the customers again.

[@JohnPaynekj4wzo]

Awesome Video with useful information. Thanks Tyler

[@davidtheiss7108]

One of the best, informative and honest videos I've seen in a while. Thanks.

[@MarkovianMan]

I cut the cord a couple of years ago. This is just another reason why these big conglomerates need to be broken up, to increase competition.

[@MrRMB1]

Great video! I did take your advice and finally cut the cord. Please note however that KZbin TV does offer the local channels. So for 50 a month, and no antenna, I've replaced everything that I watch with one service. Great channel man, keep up the good work!

[@AntennaMan]

I highly recommend getting an antenna at some point. The cost of over the top services like KZbin TV will increase close to what cable is now as content providers demand more money for their programming.

[@MrRMB1]

@@AntennaMan Agreed, I just hope it's not for a while. I'm just glad that I don't have to pay for those ridiculous equipment fees, broadcast fees, and taxes on everything. I'm paying less now than for just those items.

[@IMagnus123123123]

The channels run commercials. the more people who watch the channel the more the channel can charge for the commercial. so why do the channels double dip by charging cable companies?

[@outdoorsguy]

And why should I pay to watch commercials? This doesn't sense. 🤔

[@yell0wberry]

IMagnus123123123 because of the simple common principle, if you steal and you don't get caught, you're bound to keep doing it over and over again

[@realkevintaylor]

When I first got DIRECTV in 2006 I took the no contract option and bought my own equipment and I can remember having their choice extra package which was everything but the movie channels and four receivers for $61 a month. In June when I canceled that same package it was up to $186.

[@album183]

Thats only $4 less per month than Im paying to get everything from them. You have to know how to work the promo dept with Directv to get out of their posted pricing structures

[@anotherguy2741]

The cable and satellite systems are just as guilty as the network owners. Don't buy into the lie that the cable and satellite systems are innocent. Both sides are equally greedy and guilty!

[@iuks2185]

Yeah, sometimes there's even cross ownership. AT&T owns Warner media. Comcast owns NBCUniversal..

[@melissareiger5545]

Thank you so much! I have always wondered about the huge increase in price and couldn't find the answer. Thank you for the easy to understand explanation and the advice on alternatives!

[@AmericanConstellation]

The worst cable I've ever had was Frontier! Man they sucked! I'm glad to get them out of my life!

[@michael931]

I hear you. I have their "up to" 30 meg internet. I forgot "up to" includes 144K...

[@b3j8]

I see alot of people saying go w/the small streaming services. Yeah great, except they too will end up raising those lower prices. You can't win staying w/one company for long.

[@seasparrow7427]

That's a good idea except when your cable company jacks up the price 50% when you drop down to just internet. Either way they soak money out of you one way or another. They also bill you for your local governments billing THEM for use of the utility poles. The city charges them xx amount of $ to use the pole and the cable company charges you xx amount in the form of usage fees. Cable companies are just as much to blame for the high prices...

[@eosjoe565]

True. Our cable provider does the same thing. They charge $44.95 for 50Mbps if you get TV. Without TV the price goes up to $60.95.

[@hamsterama]

I've got a bundled broadband and cable TV package. It's true, the broadband portion would go up if I dropped the cable portion. I looked into cutting the cord, and found that if I paid for Sling, Hulu, or any of the alternatives, it would ultimately cost me the same, maybe even more, than what I'm paying now. So, I'm sticking with cable. And at the end, my salary is high enough that my cable bill is equivalent to me working half a day. So, it's not a big expense for me. If the cost continues to go up, though, I might change my mind about cutting the cord.

[@N20Joe]

Jacking the rate for dropping to just internet is shitty but OF COURSE they pass on charges imposed on them by the government. That's how literally every single business in exitsence operates.

[@rainydayhaven2189]

Exactly! I have the "lowest speed" internet my cable company offers and a house phone ... no cable.. pay 120 a month!!! Its robbery!!

[@seasparrow7427]

@@rainydayhaven2189 holy crap!! It might be cheaper using data...

[@sensonof3684]

I'm 71 now and remember when pay tv ment no adds. Move forward in time the you pay for adds. The broadcasters collect from both ends,advertisers and cable . Not nice just greedy.

[@thechannel4486]

Also look into Pluto TV. Its FREE. Lots of great channels.

[@akprice8242]

I got tired of my cable package having 32 channels available and I only watched 3. I wanted to cut the cord but I watched college football. Now the cord is cut and I subscribe to either sling or PSVue during the season and cancel it in the off season.

[@fridayjoefriday]

Cruise over to suppose.tv, great resource for cutting that big cable bill. Speaking about cable bill, don't forget all those taxes and fees that are hidden as well. The one fee that gave heartburn was the HD technology fee, really ten dollars for HD video.

[@edreid7872]

Had cable, and watched probably 5 channels regularly....several which were free on the antenna...finally cut the cord....and brought a huge 4k with my savings.....

[@Mystorm2021]

I cut the cord 20 years ago it's crazy what they charge

[@chuckgates1171]

I cut comcast 3-4 years ago 130.00 for basic FT. Got 2 antenas. And sling is only 25.00 month.

[@john26262]

I don’t blame the big media companies for trying to get as much money as they can. That is capitalism for you. It’s the stupidity of people who are willing to pay for the services that I blame. You give very sound advice. Just say no and cut the cord and you will find that you do just fine without all of those cable channels.

[@AntennaMan]

I am curious to see if capitalism will work in the long run in this scenario. If enough people cut the cord they can't get the retransmission fees they rely on to rip people off.

[@ab935]

@@AntennaMan gotta pay the actors and other help. Bryan Cranston alone was pair $225k/ep of Breaking Bad. That was only him. I doubt if the top execs will take a cut if everybody ditches cable.

[@OGMrWayne]

I have a firestick, a Hulu subscription and a fire-recast with an antenna... Love it

[@zodiac890]

i dont let the rich low lifes rip me off i dont pay for cable its way too over priced

[@yophotoman]

I'm paying Charter $238.00 per month. Yet, we only consistently watch 4 channels and only a couple of shows on those. That makes those shows super expensive! Gonna cut the cable ...

[@jeffreyd399]

You mentioned Locast in one of your other videos and have been using that. That works with a VPN so you can connect to a city that works at and you can watch those channels.I noticed that even the online streaming cable ones are starting to go up too. Streaming services like Sling, PSVue are also 70 dollars or more if you get the better packages.

[@clinton.gannaway]

Thanks again for being informative and honest about a problem many people have. I work for Directv and can honestly say we dont want to jack up prices and lose customers.. but with the way the system (such as local service providers raising 600% since '06) the prices arent going down. Also when we have contract disputes we honestly are trying to keep the price as low as possible but having customers call in only makes the bosses upstairs give in faster to the higher prices which makes the customers bills go up. Good luck to all current and future cord cutters, i honestly with nothing but the best in programming for people. And yes i work for a big company and no i dont pay for my tv even at the discount cause all the shows i watch are either local or can be viewed through an internet service.

[@william38022]

You’re asking the wrong question here,,, it’s not why is cable TV so expensive,,, it’s why is high speed Internet so expensive along time ago you could get affordable Internet and A Roku box and a Netflix subscription and have a regular Free air antenna with a digital converter box because at the time few people had a digital television and then you could really start to watch good television the digital channels are so much better higher quality picture and sound and so much more content,,, however all this aside we really need high-speed Internet without it you’re almost paralyzed in modern society you can’t do anything without it,,,, and I have to disagree it is about greed if it wasn’t about greed then Internet would cost about 19.99 a month and cable would cost about the same it cost as much as it does because they can charge that much and more,,, it’s greed and it’s generated by a monopoly,,,, one or two entities own and control the lions share of the media and that’s why it cost as much as it does,,, and the politicians do absolutely positively nothing about it be it a Democrat Republican or Independent the American taxpayer is bent over a barrel and are getting their socks screwed off of them and no one wants to do anything about it,,, The antenna is the best way to go for television in general you can’t beat it there’s all kinds of good stuff to watch on for your television however we must find a way to get affordable high-speed Internet I think it should be a right of every American citizen to have it for free just like free Air television it’s too valuable not to have,,, you can do your finances apply for a job or un employment or an insurance claim or anything else with the high-speed Internet,,, I have magic jack go on my home phone and it cost I think about two or three dollars a month to call anywhere.

[@steveng8706]

There is so much free stuff on the Internet that I have not watched a TV in years. The couple times I did watch it for a few minutes it was trash. TV. I don't need it for anything.

[@Trebbor1958]

we are in the process of cutting the cable... we have smart tvs, indoor antennas, hulu and netflix..... next step saying goodbye to cable

[@joseochoa5396]

IPTV services is the way to go..

[@scotthill2230]

Netflix is going to collapse, soon.

[@kevindao1103]

@@scotthill2230 I really wouldn't say they'll collapse, however their quantity of programming has gone down due to much of the shows are owned by the media conglomerates, which are now making their own streaming services. It's one of the reasons why Netflix now has more shows made in-house than from outside sources.

[@riverraisin1]

@@scotthill2230 Because the media giants are trying to bring down Netflix so that they can control the market.

[@frankoshinski9205]

Tyler , I agree with everything you say .That why I have Antenna in another room to watch other station coming out of VA . Keep up the GREAT work .

[@erics8757]

More great, informative content! Thank you!

[@sammypearl2910]

I worked for a NYC cable company for 25 years as a field tech Back in the 70's cable was $.4.99 to $7.00 for basic. Also the Reason cable is so expensive is that the CEO today making $98 million in one year. When Charter Cable purchase Time Warner NYC. The CEO and management gave themselves big pay raises. CEO of TIme Warner Cable even walked away Millions of dollars. If you want to save money get a HDTV antenna or a Roku don't cut the cord because you'll will need the cable company internet. Cut the cable box not the cord. Most of your hard earn money when you pay your bill also supports the shareholders.

[@codypomeroy9040]

I really cannot afford to pay Spectrum Silver nor Gold, which will charge me $150-$200 a month after the internet bill. So, I'd be stick with basic or standard cable channels and internet, so I'd be charged under $130 a month.

[@Joseph1NJ]

Great presentation.

[@cataclysmic911]

Right on. Thank you. Cable cutter 6 years and don’t regret it.

[@davidkingsley8940]

I can explain in a few words... Cable/satellite (ANYTHING) is so expensive, because there's so few providers and they are price gouging the citizens of the country. BAM end of story.

[@Deborahtunes]

That's it in a nutshell. Whenever there's no competition, the big companies can charge whatever they want. Plus, if you are renting your residence, the landlord may not allow you to get a satellite dish. So you are stuck with one over priced cable company...

[@codypomeroy9040]

@@Deborahtunes Satellite is now overpriced as cable. And they didn't offer bundle their own internet so you'd had to get another provider like HughesNet which cost more bill and less mbps than cable provider which charge less and provide better mbps speed,.

[@Deborahtunes]

@@codypomeroy9040 ~ Bundling isn't all it's cracked up to be either. My mother pays $270 a month for her bundle package", which I think is outrageous...

[@TonyBSyr]

Congress made a huge mistake when they allowed TV stations to charge cable and sat. companies to charge for carrying their programs which are available over the air for free. In the early days of cable when the purpose was mainly to provide a better picture, the TV stations demanded that they be carried and there was no charge. Later after TV stations saw how much the ESPN's etc were taking in they demanded payment too. Congress needs to give the stations a choice. Either be carried at no charge in their broadcast area or give up their license. Some industry sources say that now most broadcast stations are getting as much as one third or more of their revenue from rebroadcasting fees. They used to have survive on ad revenue only.

[@outdoorsguy]

Surviving only on ad revenue meant they carried high quality programming. Now they carry a large amount of garbage that most people don't watch but pay for anyway.

[@ToIsleOfView]

Thanks, for the detailed explanation. We used to have laws to prohibit these monopolies. We need to reinstate those laws. ALL media stations must be INDEPENDENT & privately owned in the jurisdiction where the media is presented. Also, the multinational corporation is an abuse of law. They should be BANNED in every country because their profit agendas are unfair competition for smaller companies. They hide their true taxes from all governments. Lawyers twist the law.

[@johnnyb1497]

I just cut the cord and picked up KZbin TV. So far, so good. I will miss our regional sports networks. I guess I will start turning on the radio for the games!

[@AntennaMan]

That or support a local bar/pub in your area

[@wpiofm]

One wonders when ESPN and the rest will start to hurt from cord cutting.

[@michael931]

Never, because everyone is addicted to it, except me and you and a few other people and they know it.

[@thatguyontheright1]

Problem with supplementing Cable with streaming is that faster internet is capped to entice you to buy cable packages. Not because of the TV providers, but the ISP getting a kickback. That's how it seamed with Frontier Communications when I had to deal with them. They were a local monopoly, so that may have been part of it too. My current ISP has no deals with a Cable or Satellite TV provider and I have no caps. I can use PlutoTV all I want.

[@AntennaMan]

Yes that's probably an issue if you watch a lot of TV. I don't understand why people stare at a box for more than an hour a day.

[@simonbyrd6518]

It's surprising how you can make do without cable when you're forced to.

[@eosjoe565]

Making do seems to be getting easier all the time. Especially when I scroll down through the on-screen guide and see 170 channels of nothing but garbage.

[@paulk468]

I wasnt forced to cut cord choose to and my cost plummeted. Replacement = antenna in attic (and used cable wire to connect 5 TVs) Fire tvs and a Nvidia shield. Above ground streaming services then underground streaming service. Apks for Android. Do not see myself ever going back to cable and the antenna was the start.

[@JohnDavis-yz9nq]

Simon Byrd I like ota. Tv better than cable.

[@greenbyrd3665]

When Time Warner became Spectrum, my bill increased every month, $25.00, $16.00 etc. When they offered a package (internet, cable & phone - who wants phone service?) for only $224.00 per month, I packed up the equipment and turned it in. Haven't looked back. Will never, ever have cable again!

[@louisstephens2965]

Cause most have an area monopoly. Hoping Amazon changes that.

[@Joseph1NJ]

5 year cord cutter here. Of course I need broadband, but that's it. Cable and broadcast TV is on its last legs and they know it.

[@kevindao1103]

@ⅰи∂ㄩㄅ360 Agreed on this one. Also, the majority of this country still watch TV from the major, local networks. So why would you pay for cable when you can get an antenna for $20? And that's a one-time fee too.

[@ricpel9975]

It almost sounds like you're defending ISPs. Realize since the early 1980's our economy has been about nothing but the stock markets and big corporations. Just as such, prices for pretty much everything is overinflated for maximum profit and maximum stock values. I remember when cable TV first came out, the number one selling point back then was, you pay for it, you don't have to put up with commercials, commercial free. That didn't last long, now after people are paying idiotic amounts for cable TV and internet they're bombarded with commercials. The everyday citizen is getting shafted all over the place for the benefit of the stock markets. Plus, just like you stated, fewer and fewer corporations own more and more companies, monopolies all over the place. Comcast alone owns quite a lot of different businesses and sadly, the same ISP's providing TV are the only providers most people have for internet as well. Most people can't cut their cord if they want any kind of decent internet. I've had an OTA antennae for some time, and as nice as it is to have another option it leaves some to be desired. Not to mention, like you said in one of your other video's, they're reducing the number of channels for that as well. You can be sure there are people in the cable, satellite, phone industries (lobbyist and think tanks) that are working hard to eliminate OTA transmissions for TV. One thing this country should have is a nation wide cable system that isn't privately owned, no company or individual should have the control of the citizens communications ability like they do today. Of course when anyone says something like that, the low life people that are the puppets for business start screaming Socialism and that scares people who are programed to think that is bad. People need to think, is it right that an individual or company can silence you or anyone they want? It's happening everyday on Social Media. And while a lot of people are paying way too high of internet and cable TV bills, service has gone to Hell for a lot of people. Paying more and getting less. We need municipally owned cable high speed internet all across the country so the citizens have communication and can't be silenced or shut down because someone unfortunately with the power to do so desires to..

[@likesowls52]

Fabulous video and guidance Tyler! We cut the cord from the expanded lineup some ten years ago but still have the local channels and public access for about $20/month. I would cut that too but it is included in my internet service package tier so my total cost for mid-level internet speeds and local channels is $84/month. We subscribe to Amazon Prime and Netflix so maybe our true total cost is close to $100 for everything. Finally, own your own equipment and save $$$$

[@DJaquithFL]

Excellent video! People need to wake up!

[@bluenetmarketing]

I had cable for one year only. After that I went antenna broadcast only, and six years ago I put the CRT TV in the garage and it has been collecting dust ever since. I don't miss any of the filth they are pumping into people's minds and souls.

[@1pcmedic]

I remember when cable came on the scene, you PAID for it to have NO COMMERCIALS......

[@tjam4229]

1pcmedic, yeah. Then slowly they added commercials and it became the norm to “.pay” for subscription tv that WAS supposed to be commercialless. And people didn’t complain. They just kept paying! Crazy.

[@stclairstclair]

I was amazed how many of the same channels I was paying for, I dropped cable 6 years ago, I have never missed it.

[@vicdemon1919]

I got me a firestick best decision ever. Can't beat free tv

[@tmcche7881]

The copyright laws need to become null and void. The perfect analog to use as a model for ending copyright is the apparel industry. You cannot copyright fashion. Many court rulings explain because of the utilitarian nature clothing. Is there a utilitarian nature in local broadcast?

[@woohunter1]

As much advertising as I have to watch, cable should be free.

[@fleebee3639]

I switched from DirecTV to Sling TV using my Roku 3 that I got in order to watch Netflix. I was paying about $125 per month with no premium channels. I had previously dropped Starz and encore when I got Netflix. I already had an outside roof top antenna for local channel viewing, local news and weather. I looked into Sling and found that I could get thier blue package and a few ala carte add-on packages for about $59. This includes encore and Starz. I am very happy with what I have now. I no longer have the filler garbage channels that were provided in my DirecTV package. I have all the channels that I used to watch on DirecTV along with even more channels. The only channels I miss that I had with DirecTV are Fox News and ION. But that doesn't really matter because one of our local channels is the ION East feed and I can pick up Fox News either from their website or as a channel on my Roku device. Part of my sling package includes 50 hours of DVR cloud storage. Also included with sling are free movies and on demand viewing. I have also purchased a Lava TV converter with DVR from antennadeals.com. It came with a 16gb thumb drive. I can use it to record local OTA programs for later viewing. I also purchased a 64 GB thumb drive to use with it for additional recording.

[@isettech]

I'm old enough to remember when cable was brought to my small town growing up that the advantage of cable was no commercials. Had cable up to about 30 years ago when the rates jumped well over $15/month. The reason was all subscribers were paying for ESPN even if they did not want it as it was in basic cable. About this time it became overloaded with ads. Dropped it as being no longer of value for someone with full time work. It would have been OK with a full family with kids, but not for a single. I cut the cord and never went back. Have excellent over the air TV that I rarely watch. Watch more Netflix and KZbin instead. About to drop KZbin for the growing commercials. As long as Netflix remains price competitive and free of commercial interruptions, I may keep it.

[@allpeachy3113]

Thank you Antenna Man for that bit of wisdom!

[@MikeAndNary]

It's hard for me to stream TV channels with my Windows 95 AOL dialup and 56k modem.

[@peters8758]

Watch the neighbor's curb on trash day. When he tosses that Vista Home Premium computer, grab it! And ask your telephone company about ADSL. Same wire can carry a video signal that stutters every time Tom Brady gets the ball.

[@FOROW99]

You got mail

[@MikeAndNary]

@@FOROW99 Files done

[@Magus12000BC]

>Windows 95 >56k modem Pick one People were rocking 28.8k when Windows 95 hit.

[@vampiregoat69]

got rid of cable because it was SO DAMN expensive. Their internet is too damn expensive

[@ratmadness4858]

you might do a video about how much antenna equipment could be bought for what 6 months of cable would cost.

[@jamesgross6466]

I understand what you're saying and agree but I think you're overlooking a few things. There are still rural areas where the only Internet service available is satellite Internet like HughesNet or Excel. Both are very expensive and have poor service. Have you ever tried to stream Netflix or the like using HughesNet? And what about commercials and paid infomercials? I grew up in the 50's and 60's and am astounded by the current price of watching tv! Yes, I have a couple of antennas and a very nice tower.

[@AntennaMan]

They have the same issue in Central PA with HughesNet. When you have one company that operates internet in an area (HughesNet) there is no incentive for them to improve their services. Where else would people get internet from? It's a huge problem this country that politicians try to resolve. They will throw money at these telecommunication companies but they will not spend it correctly.

[@rockets4kids]

Now just tell us where we can find an internet service capable of streaming video for $25/month...

[@luisreyes1963]

Either Narnia or Terrabithia. 🏰😆

[@dahoo-needledrop]

Comcast now offers 25mbps at $25/month for new customers for 12 months. Enough to stream 4K on one device.

[@Jothsal]

CNT, but is in Ecuador

[@mikejohns3104]

Cut the cord in 2012 and saved over $8,000 in 2012 dollars since then. Antenna was installed in 2009 to help wean me off. Still using the antenna today (2019)

[@wontunow]

I thought I would miss ESPN. Nope!

[@kevindao1103]

Most of the sports ESPN has some of it is still broadcasted on the big 4 broadcast networks. Sure, your favorite team may not be brodcasted on the big 4 from time to time, however you're not paying a cent and at least you still watch sports at a much reduced cost.

[@edwardcullen5705]

I live in a small town pop. Around 10k. We only have one cable source. Internet $90 with cable $150. Been shut off for 8 months. Miss the internet.

[@richardcranium5839]

its all digital and it will be soon all one venue. the over the airs are hanging on the best they can but they too are being bought up by the big guys. they are eating up the ota band width for cell phones and have the fcc in their pockets. if you are in rural america you soon will be completely out of luck if you dont pay the ferryman.

[@mikeb6386]

It used to be that cable meant a reduction of commercials but no more. They should pay me to watch the constant barrage of commercials. Cut the cord 5 years ago and I am doing fine.

[@Mario-zm7qj]

I Don't even need to watch the whole video to say your 100% wrong. The reason it's so expensive is because people are dumb enough to pay for it. It's like data on your phone. Here in Canada most people pay 100+ a month for a cell phone. I pay that a year. The reason it's so expensive is because the average human is just not that bright.

[@jetjock8079]

Mario Koetter it’s “you’re 100% wrong” not “your”

[@cooldog60]

In the 1980ies I was paying $8 a month. Now I am paying $150 a month for basic.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

`😵´´ ❗ *OMG*

[@kimberleebrackley2793]

I understand this, l can't handle 66$ for just the Internet signal

[@ggme4682]

I'm with you. That's exactly what my internet only bill is. It's disgusting

[@AndrewDeFaria]

There is no such thing as an "unfair increase". You have to freedom to say "No thank you, I don't feel it's worth it". The only way this could persist is that people think it's worth more for them to spend the $$$ than to not have the service. The law of supply and demand, despite the rumors, is and has always been alive and well. I "cut the cord" in 2008 and haven't spent one dime on cable TV, nor any of the streaming services like Hulu and Netflix for coming up on 12 years now.

[@hassansyed5661]

I don't know about US cable TV but in Pakistan cable TV providers are looting people and still offering analog cable TV transmissions at high rate when compared to the channels contents

[@midassnap9028]

Hi from Texas.

[@hassansyed5661]

@@midassnap9028 respect :-)