A La Carte - Fewer Choices, Less Diversity, Higher Prices
Cable's method of delivering programming packages, with channels bundled into basic and digital tiers, has proven to provide both choice and quality to consumers. This model has enabled all programming networks, including niche networks that serve underserved audiences, to find and build an audience.
Some believe that receiving channels “a la carte,” or channels priced and ordered individually rather than from a selected bundle, would be a preferable option. However, both independent and industry studies have concluded that a la carte would offer no benefit to the vast majority of consumers and would, in fact, result in higher prices, less choice and less programming diversity.
Examining the Issue
The Cable Industry's Position on this Issue
1/17/2009
Government Mandated A La Carte: Making You Pay More for Less
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Abstract: The marketplace should dictate programming and marketing decisions. Without government regulation, an impressive and vibrant cable programming industry has developed over the past 25 years. Today, cable offers consumers a tremendous entertainment value. We don’t need a U.S. Department of Television.Attachment: A La Carte Issue Brief _detailed_-January 2009.pdf (34 KB)Publication Type: Talking Points
Studies By Outside Bodies
6/4/2007
“Cable À La Carte Pricing Creates More Problems Than It Solves" Abstract: Forrester Research has released a report entitled “Cable À La Carte Pricing Creates More Problems Than It Solves," which concludes that only half of consumers are interested in à la carte but those that are interested in it greatly undervalue the cost of programming, envisioning artificially low prices can’t be sustained in the market.Publication Type: Expert Study
5/16/2006
Summary of Research Conducted on Per-Channel or “A la Carte” PricingAbstract: A round-up of studies and reports on a la carte, conducted by the GAO, FCC, Bear Stearns, and Booz Allen Hamilton.Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
Programmers' Perspectives
5/15/2006
Cable Programmers' Perspectives on A La CarteAbstract: Various documents outlining programmers' stand on mandatory a la carte.Publication Type: Miscellaneous Publication
The Business Point of View
11/24/2007
"Bland Menu if Cable Goes à la Carte"Abstract: Op-ed by Joe Nocera in his NY Times column "Talking Business," analyzing the problems with a la carte cable.Publication Type: Other Voices