TV Stats: January Saw Highest Streaming Yet
TV entertainment can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on almost any device. That’s a far cry from previous decades when most viewing happened around a TV set, often live for must-see shows. Today, audiences have many viewing options, a testament to innovation in the video programming marketplace and ubiquitous, powerful broadband networks. In fact, Nielsen recently reported that the first month of 2024 set records for streaming TV viewership.
America’s Expanding Broadband Networks Continue To Grow: The South Pt. 3
As America targets efforts towards connecting every community to robust broadband – including the distribution of more than $40 billion in federal funds for building new networks – cable providers continue to do what they have always done: build out their networks to reach as many Americans as possible. With network expansions continuing to happen nationwide, here are a few more examples of projects that work towards the national goal of connecting every American. To learn about other projects highlighted in previous blogs, be sure to check out NCTA.com. Louisiana In Livingston Parish, Charter
“Diarra From Detroit” Signals BET Studio’s Entrée to Scripted TV
BET Studios is debuting its first-ever scripted series “Diarra from Detroit,” marking a new creative pivot from the studio and network. After a freshly divorced schoolteacher, Diarra, goes on a Tinder date with the man of her dreams, his sudden disappearance sends her on an investigation that leads her through the Detroit underworld. From executive producers Diarra Kilpatrick (who also stars in the lead role) and Kenya Barris (“Black-ish”), the comedy-drama series is set to premiere on March 21 on BET+. The plot thickens: The show follows Diarra as she and her reluctant friends work to solve
TV Networks Are Spotlighting Black Culture and History
As February unfolds, so does the celebration of Black History Month—a time to reflect, honor, and amplify the stories and contributions of the Black community throughout history. Cable TV networks play a pivotal role in bringing these narratives to the forefront, offering a platform to showcase the richness, diversity, and resilience of the Black experience. Cable TV networks have been instrumental in ensuring that these narratives receive the attention they deserve, reaching a wide audience and fostering a greater understanding of the Black experience. Here are just a handful of networks that
Saving Millions Monthly: How Consumers Are Benefitting From New Competition for Wireless Mobile Services
Consumer appetite for connectivity is continually growing. With more devices and ways to connect, new solutions are required to get people and their devices online. That is why in recent years, cable broadband providers have expanded their offerings to include mobile service, giving Americans more choices for their cell providers than ever before and saving them millions monthly when switching from higher-priced plans offered by traditional phone companies. How it works: Cable providers use a combination of technologies to transmit mobile data utilizing both licensed and unlicensed spectrum
Broadband Stats: Connecting Every American
Closing the digital divide is a complex task that goes far beyond extending broadband service. Cost and digital literacy are key to successful adoption and to making the most of a connection. For years, cable ISPs have offered low-cost broadband adoption programs available to families who qualify for free or reduced school lunches, as well as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. In addition to these programs, cable ISPs also often donate devices and offer digital literacy programs to help the previously unconnected take full advantage of their new connection.
Cox Connects the Big Game
This weekend, hundreds of thousands of visitors will descend upon Las Vegas for the big game. To support this massive influx of people for what usually is the most-watched television event of the year, Cox Communications is providing free access to its extensive virtual Wi-Fi hotspot network in the Las Vegas metro area from February 1 through February 12, as well as powering the connections within Allegiant Stadium. The free connectivity will facilitate the flurry of communications sure to take place this weekend, with everybody from celebrities to out-of-town game-goers to stadium workers
The Affordable Connectivity Program Needs a Lifeline
Today brings unfortunate news. Because of dwindling funds in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the FCC has directed ISPs to stop accepting new customers under the program. It means that, for the moment, households otherwise eligible for ACP will be unable to sign up for the program. And, if Congress fails to appropriate new funds, the program will collapse possibly causing millions of families to lose broadband service they have come to rely on. We continue to be optimistic that Congress can still throw this valuable program a lifeline. ACP’s impact: This program has been wildly
Dedication To Mission, Tech Aids C-SPAN’s 2024 Election Coverage
NOTE: NCTA talked to C-SPAN at the end of January, before President Biden visited South Carolina the weekend of January 27th, and before the Nevada and South Carolina nominating contests. As the 2024 election gets underway with primaries, nominating conventions, and the general election in the fall, NCTA spoke in late January with C-SPAN Political Editor Nate Hurst to learn how the network is covering this year’s elections, coast to coast. C-SPAN is a public affairs news network created by the cable industry, that covers the federal government’s day-to-day proceedings as a public service in
Mediacom Partners With Rural Community to Bring Fiber to the Home
Extending broadband to rural corners of the U.S. presents a number of challenges, including rugged terrain, difficult economics, and geographic hurdles, just to name a few. Despite these difficulties, America’s broadband providers have been extending their networks to the farthest corners of the country. Many ISPs have been hard at work for years, investing their own money and resources to connect rural communities. Mediacom’s recent network expansion in Minnesota is just one example of these efforts. Community Partners In Lakewood Township, Minnesota, a town of about 2,000 people near the