On Screen Representation Matters Beyond Pride Month
Cable programming once again set a record this year for having the most LGBTQ+ characters on screen. According to the 2018-2019 GLAAD “Where We Are on TV” report, an impressive total of 208 LGBTQ+ characters were shown across the cable platform. Specifically, cable programming featured: 120 LGBTQ+ series regular characters – up from 103 last year; 88 recurring LGBTQ+ characters – up from 70 last year; and 95+ more LGBTQ+ characters than broadcast and streaming (which featured 113 and 112 characters respectively.) The report, which GLAAD has put out for the past 23 years running, sheds light on
GCI Turns Alaska into the 'First Frontier' with 5G Service
Alaska has some of the most remote regions in the United States, with formidable weather and vast terrain that make bringing connectivity to parts of the state a challenge and huge undertaking. However, through GCI's deployment of high-speed internet to these areas, the Alaskan provider has allowed businesses, entrepreneurs, schools, and hospitals to thrive, boosting the quality of life for many residents there. In 2011, GCI built the TERRA network over 3,300 miles of land, bringing terrestrial broadband to 84 communities. Then in 2016, GCI brought gigabit service to Anchorage, and from there
How Eagle Unleashed New Opportunities in Rural America
In a small northwestern Kansas town that sits in the middle of miles and miles of farmland, 1,300 people go about their day with access to some of the country's fastest internet speeds. Businesses, schools, the hospital, and local municipalities thrive as access to gigabit internet has completely revitalized the economy and way of life for the people of St. Francis, Kansas. Eagle Communications, a rural provider in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado, teamed up with the town to launch their network after government and business leaders in St. Francis sought out the provider for help in
Six Ways Broadband Leaders are Transforming Rural America
Earlier this week, NCTA, in partnership with the Rural Broadband Caucus, hosted a panel discussion in Washington, DC, where member companies shared programs and initiatives they are implementing to expand high-speed broadband networks, including gigabit service, to underserved areas. "If we're going to make any progress in revitalizing rural America, then broadband is just bottomline essential. It is not a red state/blue state deal," said Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), co-chair of the caucus, in his opening remarks. "It's about making that decision we made in the 1930s when we electrified America
10G at E3: Gigabit Means Gaming
Gamers rejoice! The annual E3 conference kicked off in Los Angeles this week, bringing buzz-worthy announcements and highly anticipated product releases. While gaming has always been a large industry, it only continues to grow. In fact, 75 percent of U.S. households now have at least one gamer, according to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Esports have also entered the playing field, with the industry expected to achieve an audience of 453 million and have a market of more than $1 billion globally by the end of the year. With more and more users, and new technologies leading to
What Cable Operators Are Doing to Close the Digital Divide in Rural America
On Tuesday, NCTA in cooperation with the Rural Broadband Caucus will gather policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the successful strategies and projects that cable operators are using to close the digital divide in rural America. There isn't a more critical time to hold this conversation than the present. While most American households can access a broadband connection, six percent of all Americans and 26 percent in rural America remain unconnected to high internet speeds (25 Mbps or more) and are missing out on the promises and benefits the internet offers. Extending robust broadband
How to Watch the Women's World Cup: Fox Sports and Telemundo Up Their Game in 2019
The FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off today in France, and network executives are hoping to draw in the largest viewership of the tournament in history. Four years ago, the USA Women's team defeated Japan in the final to win the tournament as 26 million fans tuned in. In fact, it became the most-watched soccer match in U.S. history, according to Nielsen. As Fox Sports and NBCUniversal’s Telemundo continue their exclusive coverage of the tournament this year—in their respective English and Spanish broadcasts—both networks have high expectations for even greater success this time around. Fox
Technology is Revolutionizing Everything About TV
Ten years ago, you had to choose between relaxing on the beach and catching the game back in the house. Today you can enjoy the sun without missing a minute of the action, thanks to new technology and streaming apps. But it’s not just about being able to take your entertainment with you (though that’s pretty groundbreaking); the television renaissance is starting to push the boundaries of the medium and challenge what we used to think TV could be. Once a sea of variety shows, sitcoms, and serial cop dramas, we now have interactive pick your own adventure style programs and shows that
NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell Testifies on the Exploding Video Marketplace
Tomorrow, NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell will testify before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on the state of the television and video marketplace. As Powell lays out in his testimony, the evolution of the video programming marketplace from an analog broadcast medium to today's digital and increasingly online space has created "a world of robust competition, constant innovation, and significant changes in consumer experiences and preferences." Along with this new world of competition and consumer choice have come changes in how video and content providers
Why Ride TV's Mission is About More Than Horsing Around
With world-renowned horse races like the Kentucky Derby held earlier this month and the Belmont Stakes coming up next week, equestrian culture is generating all sorts of excitement and buzz as of late. It's not surprising then to hear that there is a huge audience for this kind of programming from Ride TV, an emerging network that is making a name for itself in the equestrian world. The demand for horse content is strong and continues to grow. As a network, Ride TV has created a place where viewers can watch show jumping, barrel racing, dressage, bull riding, and much more. "We want to become