CPanther95 said:A la carte sounds great, but the individual channel prices would skyrocket. ESPNs costs are currently $25.90 per sub and are expected to rise to $47.46 by 2009 (annually). That's $3.96 per sub, per month - in expenses - that's with 85 million subscribers. Estimates are that only about 20% of subs are regular viewers of ESPN. With expenses expected to climb to over $4 Billion by 2009, that would have to be recovered from only about 17 million subscribers or $19.61 per month from each sub - and that only covers expenses.
It's getting way out of control, and there's nothing in sight to indicate that it's not only going to get worse. So something needs to be done, but a hard shift to an a la carte system would likely crash the whole system. Then again, maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing.
GaryPen said:Great Americans? Is that like "Silent Majority"? I'm sure McCarthy had a stupid catch phrase as well. Simplistic catch phrases are a major tool of right wingers, and totalitarian governments, as well.
GaryPen said:Hey Mutt - "Separation of church and state" is not a cliche. It is the cornerstone of a democratic government. When they are not separated, you end up with the Taliban. A Christian Taliban, perhaps. But, just as bad for a free society.
And, "right to privacy" is another cornerstone of a free and democratic society. Of course, a right to privacy has nothing to do with killing babies. Last time I checked, killing babies was still against the law, and hopefully will remain that way.
GaryPen said:Hey Mutt - "Separation of church and state" is not a cliche. It is the cornerstone of a democratic government. When they are not separated, you end up with the Taliban. A Christian Taliban, perhaps. But, just as bad for a free society.
Sarang said:I actually agree with the bundling idea except follow the Canadians lead. Personally I could care less about ESPN for the most part and most Sports channels. In terms of Sports all I want is Karate and the Kumite and maybe Basketball so I'd buy ESPN2 a la carte. But I'd like to buy a movie, cartoon and maybe traditional channels package and I'd be set unless the news package is reasonable too. With that extra money I'd save I could get more International channels too.
GaryPen said:As much as I disagree with FNC's obvious political slant, and feel they shouldn't be allowed to present themselves as a "news" network any more than Air America should be able to do the same, I certainly feel that they should be allowed to continue on Dish or any other service, as long as it's financially feasible. $1/sub is just too much. That's a 400% increase.
Perhaps at least a parity with CNN, especially if that .60 is for CNN and CNN HN. Perhaps FNC will be happy with inclusion in AT60 at a lower rate? More subs mean more $$$. (Or, the $1 is just for shock value. Fox could be using the oil company strategy. Raise gas prices 100%, then back off 20%, and the people are so greatful to be getting it in the rear, now that they're not thrusting so hard. )
GaryPen said:Then, they should go for it, if that's what the market will bear.
Of course I'm a capitalist. Just because I'm not a right-wing, racist, sexist, homophobic, jingoistic, born again, ignorant, hate-filled yahoo doesn't mean I don't believe in making an honest dollar.jimboeau said:You mean you are a capitalist? I'm impressed.
Wow. I thought conservatives didn't do drugs. That's one of the most incorrect statements I've ever read.jimboeau said:CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, and PBS are more slanted to the left than FNC is slanted to the right.
hmmmm I guess you think Dan The Man really didnt make up those memoes!!!GaryPen said:Wow. I thought conservatives didn't do drugs. That's one of the most incorrect statements I've ever read.
The only broadcast network that even comes close to the level of political slant of FNC is Air America. And, they are just a fledgling radio network. Of course, they don't pretend to be a "fair and balanced" source of news, either.