How the Cable Industry is Educating Americans About COVID-19 Vaccination
In an effort to educate all Americans about the importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, NCTA members have joined in a nationwide campaign, "It's Up to You." The campaign, sponsored by the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative initiative, is one of the largest public education efforts in U.S. history with more than 300 major companies and leaders participating. The goal is to provide the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines to the public and to empower and prepare all Americans, especially people of color who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, to get vaccinated
Upcoming Cable TV Shows Spotlight Women in Unique Ways
Women's History Month marks a time to honor those women who fought against gender inequality and opened news paths forward for women. But it is also a time to recognize and celebrate the projects currently underway that continue to challenge gender roles and stereotypes in unique ways, and that highlight real women paving the way for other women around them. TV and media can be huge drivers in this arena, and cable TV networks are busy producing programs and shows that feature strong female characters and that focus on female empowerment. At the Television Critics Association press tour last
As Internet Speeds Surge, Cable Broadband Delivers Increasing Consumer Value
Internet speeds have surged over the past two decades. In 2007, it could take up to 45 minutes to download an HD movie. Now, Americans can start streaming their favorite shows in seconds and high-speed internet powers the services that are keeping the country afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. These speeds provide a tremendous increase in value to consumers at a time when the quality-adjusted cost of cable’s broadband services has declined by 98%. Why it matters: Faster speeds means consumers can quickly and seamlessly use data-intensive services in the safety of their homes. During the
How TV Production Crews Made the Best Out of an Unprecedented Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has had and continues to have a profound effect on TV productions. Productions were halted, premieres were delayed and obstacles were planted. Despite this, cable TV networks have shown that they have the ability to not only adapt to the new environment and overcome these challenges, but to continue to create and produce the rich and compelling stories that audiences have come to expect. During the virtual Television Critics Association press tour held earlier this month, executives, producers and talent from various shows expressed their awe and amazement of their teams
Every Day is Digital Learning Day
Today, schools and communities nationwide are sharing best practices on distance learning in honor of Digital Learning Day. Launched 10 years ago by the Alliance for Excellent Education, Digital Learning Day is a time to not only celebrate the innovative instruction happening online, but to advocate for closing the digital divide so that every child can experience digital learning. Never has this issue been more pronounced than during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cable operators have been doing their part to ensure that students have the tools they need to continue their schooling online. The
BET's Specials Educate Viewers on the History of Injustice and What Can Be Done
Black History Month in 2021 has looked different from previous years, understandably. With COVID-19 still forcing millions of Americans to stay home, TV networks are airing special themed programming so viewers can continue to learn about Black History and celebrate Black achievement while social distancing. Notably, on February 21, Black Entertainment Television (known as BET) began airing two ground-breaking unscripted series for Black History Month: “Boiling Point,” which explores Black America’s long-standing struggle for racial justice and equality, and “Disrupt & Dismantle,” an
National Geographic Focuses on Stories With Impact
As the world continues to react to the ongoing pandemic and as the United States wrestles with issues of racial and social justice, many are eager for TV programming that challenges them to learn about the systemic discrimination that has been inherent in many societies across the world. National Geographic has been long been committed to telling the story of not just the planet Earth, but of the people who call it home, their cultural differences, and the struggles and discrimination that marginalized groups face every day. So when National Geographic announced its new lineup earlier this
Cable Broadband Providers Have Connected Millions of Americans In Need
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, NCTA members have worked hard to ensure all Americans remain connected to fast and reliable internet service. In rising to the challenge, cable broadband providers expanded and enhanced their low-income broadband programs and launched new programs to qualifying customers. To date, NCTA members have connected over 10 million consumers to broadband internet through these programs. Why it matters: In a world where an internet connection is a must-have for everything from education and healthcare to job searching, the low-income broadband programs like the
Hallmark Channel Executives Share How the Evolving Brand is Focusing on Inclusive Movies
Valentine's Day fast approaches, and more so than other years, many couples will likely celebrate in their homes and enjoy romantic movies throughout the weekend. There is also a good chance that their TV browsing will lead to the Hallmark Channel. As anyone who has ever scanned the cards section in a store or walked into a Christmas shop knows, Hallmark, owned by Crown Media Family Networks, is much more than a TV network. Hallmark is a brand known for its holiday franchise and for its association with love and connection, and in this way, the TV network has become an integral part of this
Lifetime and Robin Roberts Retell the Story of Black Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson
Black History Month is well underway, but as NCTA noted last week, cable TV networks strive to lift the voices of the Black community through rich and diverse programming every day of the year. As the nation continues to wrestle with a reckoning over racial injustice, TV plays an influential role in educating audiences about the systemic racism rooted in American history, and in rallying efforts around racial equality. This week at CTAM's portion of the virtual Television Critics Association press tour, critics got a sneak peek at a film that speaks to some of these issues, and heard a slice