New Report Finds Network Performance During COVID-19 Was a Success
A new report by the expert Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group (BITAG), a multi-stakeholder organization composed of engineers and technologists from various sectors across the internet ecosystem, highlights how the internet rose to the challenge of huge traffic surges during the pandemic and continues to perform well as millions of Americans continue to learn and work from home. The report, "2020 Pandemic Network Performance," co-edited by NCTA Vice President of Broadband Technology Matt Tooley and DISH Network Senior Engineering Program Manager Kate Landow, examines from a holistic
Award-Winning, Energy-Saving Set-Top Box Voluntary Agreement Renewed Through 2025
Arlington, VA – Today, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association (NCTA) announced an extension through 2025 of the award-winning Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Set-Top Boxes.The agreement, which has already saved consumers $7 billion in energy costs and avoided 39 million metric tons of CO2 emissions through the end of 2019, will now include new, even more rigorous energy-efficiency commitments starting in 2023. By the end of the extended terms of the agreement, the total energy used by set-top boxes in
Observations on Network Performance One Year into the NCTA COVID-19 Dashboard
It's been more than a year now since COVID-19 forced Americans into lockdown and sent many of them straight to their homes to continue their lives online. In their reflections on the one-year anniversary of COVID, chief technology officers from America's leading internet service providers concurred that the ability of their networks to perform so well over the past 12 months, despite significant surges in internet traffic, comes down to several factors. Those include years of investment, planning and looking ahead, combined with the incredible hard work of their employees to accelerate network
Nielsen Data Shows that People Working From Home Are Watching "The Office"
The COVID-19 pandemic has reached its one-year mark across much of the globe. In a year marked by a constant deluge of bad news, political polarization, and pervasive uncertainty, TV and video entertainment provided Americans with a much needed escape. New data from Nielsen calls attention to the importance of TV as a means for Americans to sustain themselves and their sense of community during the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain new releases, like “The Mandalorian” on Disney+, saw spikes during the stay home period, Nielsen data indicates that most viewers sought the comfort of old, familiar
Turner Reimagines March Madness Live to Meet Fans Where They Are
After last year’s disappointing March Madness cancellation due to COVID-19, the tournament is back for 2021 and fans are getting ready for the Sweet 16. Viewers have also been on the receiving end of a whole new entertainment experience this year. Turner and CBS are providing live coverage of all 67 games from the tournament across TBS, CBS, TNT, and truTV. But in addition, March Madness Live (MML)—the NCAA tournament app produced jointly by Turner and CBS—is sporting a new look and design to encourage more interactivity and engagement with viewers. Notably, MML is now available on a record 18
CTOs Share Insights on Network Performance Over the Past Year, Part Two
Last week, on the one-year anniversary of COVID in the United States, chief technology officers from America's leading internet service providers (ISPs) offered reflections on the internet usage trends they observed over the past year and how their networks were able to handle the unprecedented surges in internet traffic. This week, in part two of NCTA's special Q&A series, the CTOs from Charter, Comcast, Cox and Midco relayed the massive undertaking it took to ensure that their customers' new remote needs were met when more people than ever before connected online to continue working
On COVID Anniversary, CTOs from America's Leading ISPs Reflect on Network Performance
One year ago, the entire world practically shut down when the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread. In the United States, lockdown orders went into effect and millions of Americans turned to the internet for telehealth visits, remote work and virtual schooling. It was then that broadband showed its true power to connect people during a time when more people than ever before went online to continue their lives in the only way they knew how. Fortunately, cable internet service providers (ISPs) had planned ahead to ensure that their networks had the capacity to withstand the significant spike in
OWN's New Show, 'Delilah,' Reflects the Realities of Many Black Women
The premiere of the Oprah Winfrey Network's (OWN) show, "Delilah," could not have come at a better time as Americans celebrate Women's History Month and as the country continues to go through a reckoning over racial and social injustice. The first episode of the legal drama aired earlier this week and spotlights a Black female lawyer, Delilah, who seeks justice at every turn while simultaneously juggling family and personal responsibilities. A focus on strong Black female characters has always been a priority for Oprah Winfrey and her network, as Creator & Executive Producer Craig Wright
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