New TV Networks Scorecard: Eight Cable Channels to Watch in 2014
Posted in: UncategorizedViewer fragmentation, on-demand streaming video platforms and threats from cable companies to prune under-performing networks didn’t stop new channels from popping up in 2013, including a sports channel with visions of taking down the leviathan that is ESPN.
Most of the newcomers got their slots on the program guide either by taking over a failing channel, as Pivot and Al Jazeera America did, or taking advantage of Comcast’s promise to add minority-owned networks, a condition of government approval for the company to buy NBC Universal.
“In general, operators have never been less interested in launching new networks, as they have neither the bandwidth nor the margins to absorb them,” said Cathy Rasenberger, a cable consultant who helps new networks get established. “Moreover, operators argue that there are no remaining underserved audiences on TV, and that new video product will not help them move the dial versus the competition.”
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