Cable TV Celebrates Trans Week of Visibility
In 2018, FX premiered its newest show from acclaimed showrunner Ryan Murphy. “Pose” made headlines, after all it told the story of transgender and queer people building community in 1980s New York, which was a major breakthrough for queer storytelling on TV. But it also made history for the fact that record numbers of trans identifying people were the writers, producers, and stars of the program. Until that point, most projects cast cisgender (a person who identifies with the gender assigned to them at birth) actors to play trans roles, and often focused on tragedy. “Pose,” by comparison, told
TV Stats: How Cable TV Powers the Economy
Since before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have turned to TV for comfort, information, and entertainment. In fact, when the pandemic hit, comfort viewing reached a whole new level, but there were questions about how TV production could forge ahead during a health crisis. Thanks to clever thinking, increased safety protocols, and patience, TV production has continued throughout thanks to those hard-working men and women, both in front of and behind the camera, who make up cable’s workforce and who are helping to deliver the high-quality news, entertainment, and
Cable ISPs and TV Networks Honor and Support America's Veterans
Veterans Day is an important day in America as the country comes together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans play an invaluable role within the cable industry as they bring a unique skillset and an unmatched work ethic to the workforce. Cable internet service providers (ISPs) and TV networks recognize the sacrifices they have made for the country and the incredible attributes they contribute to help the industry thrive, which is why many have launched initiatives and programs aimed at recruiting and supporting the needs of
New Comedy Shows Help to Expand Authentic Native American Storytelling on TV
As Native American Heritage Month gets underway, there is no better time to spotlight two groundbreaking shows that made their debuts this year and that center around the people who live in and around Native American tribal reservations. These shows stand out not only because Native American people are cast as leads, but many of the writers and producers behind the scenes are also Native American—making the shows and their storylines all the more authentic and genuine. TV networks have made great efforts to diversify their writer’s rooms and casts to ensure that each person’s voice is heard
Broadband Stats: Cable’s Impact on the American Economy
The past year and a half demonstrated how much daily life relies on a broadband connection. Americans have spent more time working, learning, and playing at home via the internet than ever before. While many tasks and commerce moved to the internet in recent months, broadband was vital to the economy long before the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, every two years, the Bortz Media & Sports Group conducts research on how much the cable broadband and TV industry impacts the American economy. Last week, the most recent version was published and underscores how strongly the industry powers the American
Cable's Economic Impact Reaches $460 Billion
A new report, "Investing in America: The Cable Industry's Economic Impact on People, Infrastructure & Programming" finds that the economic impact by America's cable industry has reached approximately $460 billion. The report by Bortz Media & Sports Group looks at how cable's investment in infrastructure and award-winning programming has reached and affected consumers in nearly every community across the United States. A segment of the report also includes data indicative of the essential role that cable broadband played during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in supporting Americans through
As Inflation Rises for Most of the Economy, Internet Prices Decline
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and consumers have seen price increases on many goods. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of September which showed that, as compared to September 2020, overall prices for consumers increased 5.4%. However, the real price of internet services fell 2.6% in September as compared to last year. In other words, while much of the economy has seen significant prices increases, internet price changes are at rates below many other important goods and services purchased by consumers. As
Powell at Diversity Week 2021: Our Wellbeing is Inextricably Intertwined
Every autumn, the cable industry usually converges in Manhattan to discuss and advocate for practices that further diversity and inclusion across the media and entertainment landscape. While COVID-19 may have forced the activities of Diversity Week to go digital for a second year in a row, nothing could get in the way of the efforts that contribute to this important work. Last night, NCTA President and CEO Michael Powell delivered an address at the Walter Kaitz Foundation’s Virtual Gathering, the event that this year replaced the traditional in-person fundraising dinner in Time Square. Powell
The Cable Industry Comes Together Virtually to Champion Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Every year for the past several decades, the cable industry has held Diversity Week—a time for cable operators and TV networks to discuss and advocate for practices that further diversity and inclusion across the media and entertainment landscape. Although the pandemic has prevented another in-person gathering in New York City this fall, the industry continues its mission this week to engage in meaningful discussions around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through virtual panels and conversations via the WICT and NAMIC conferences, and culminating with the Walter Kaitz Foundation's
Cable TV Networks Strive to Elevate the Hispanic Community
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15 and runs through October 15, cable programmers have launched initiatives aimed at lifting the voices of the Hispanic community and raising awareness around the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in every facet of American life. Cable TV networks work year-round to use their large reach and influence to better educate and inform millions of viewers about the different cultures and ethnicities that make up America. During Hispanic Heritage Month, the cable industry joins the rest of the country in recognizing and