Latest Commentary

Editor's note:

May 24, 2013 | By

FierceCable won't publish its electronic newsletter on Monday, in observance of Memorial Day.

Who are broadband only subscribers?

May 21, 2013 | By

With major MSOs such as Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable posting faster growth in cable modem subscribers than video customers, many industry observers insist it's proof that consumers are cutting the cord in droves on pay TV.

Why ABC needs cable to deliver hyper-targeted ads through Watch ABC app

May 14, 2013 | By

Word that ABC would stream live programming to the iPad left me thinking about a demo SeaChange and Tellabs ran at The Cable Show convention last year. The demo showed how programmers could use Web browsing data stored on the iPad to deliver targeted ads in live video.

Lack of consistency drags down cable's TV Everywhere ambitions

May 7, 2013 | By

Aside from exclusive programming like DirecTV's Audience Network or Time Warner Cable's New York 1, there's little difference in the packages of linear networks pay TV providers sell today. But when it comes to authenticating which subscribers get access to TV Everywhere online video portals and apps offered by networks in their bundles, anything goes.

My experience as a Nielsen participant

May 1, 2013 | By

Years ago, soon after I began writing about the TV business, I investigated how I could find one of the households that Nielsen uses to generate its ratings reports. I never found a Nielsen household, but this February, the next best thing happened: A Nielsen representative called me and asked if I'd be willing to participate in a ratings survey.

Tracking the top 10 worst programming disputes of all time

April 25, 2013 | By

When cable networks and distributors fail to agree on terms for a new contract, it often comes down to who can endure the most pain from a blackout that could leave subscribers without their favorite shows. Using the threat of a blackout has become a key negotiating tactic for both programmers and distributors, and PR strategy is now as essential as a skilled affiliate sales team.

What are Comcast, Samsung and Time Warner Cable cooking up for The Cable Show?

April 19, 2013 | By

In what may be the best indication yet that Comcast and Time Warner Cable will soon launch apps for connected TVs from Samsung, NCTA announced earlier this week that it will give a Vanguard Award to a top Samsung executive at its convention in June.

Cord shaver: Why I dropped ESPN and HBO

April 17, 2013 | By

As a reporter who has earned a living for the last 17 years writing about cable, it's not easy to admit that I no longer subscribe to ESPN and HBO, two of the earliest cable programmers responsible for driving the most subscriber growth and profits for the industry.

Could Dyle save broadcasters from Aereo?

April 12, 2013 | By

Aereo continues to draw more attention with its online video platform, but a bigger player worth keeping an eye on is Dyle, a mobile video company that is backed by NBC, Fox and other broadcasters that are attempting to shut down Aereo.

Time Warner Cable EVP Joan Gillman details advanced advertising strategy

March 28, 2013 | By

While Time Warner Cable and Comcast continue to post increased advertising revenue from new platforms such as video-on-demand and online advertising, traditional 30-second spots continue to generate the bulk of ad revenue for cable MSOs.

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