In 2012 I cut the cord on cable TV and in my case, satellite TV. I mailed back my boxes to DIRECTV and plugged in my Roku 2 we got for Christmas to officially become a cord cutter. At that time, the average American household spent $123 a month on cable TV. Today, that number has grown to over $217 a month. But even that is likely to be an overestimate, as more and more people are cutting the cord altogether.
There are many reasons for the decline of cable TV. One is the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. These services offer a wide variety of content, often at a fraction of the cost of cable TV.
You can even now stream live TV from services like Sling TV, Fubo, Hulu, and more. Giving you access to cable programs without the contract and for a lot less.
Another reason is the increasing availability of free over-the-air TV. With a digital antenna, you can watch local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox for free. At my house here in Michigan, I can get about 50 channels for free with my antenna.
Finally, many people are simply tired of paying for cable TV channels they never watch. If you only watch a few channels, it’s cheaper to subscribe to a streaming service or watch over-the-air TV. A recent breakdown of Comcast vs YouTube TV shows that YouTube TV, for example, can save you $1,379.88 a year vs cable TV.
The decline of cable TV is a major shift in the entertainment industry. Now over half of Americans no longer pay for cable TV. It’s also a major financial blow to cable companies, which are struggling to keep up with the changing landscape. Increasingly cable companies have been turning to home security, wireless phone services, and more to off set the losses.
But it’s also good news for consumers. With more options than ever, it’s never been easier to watch the TV you want, when you want it.
The Future of Cord Cutting
The future of cord cutting is uncertain. It’s possible that cable TV will eventually die out altogether. Though that is unlikely as cable companies struggle to adapt to the world of streaming with services like Peaco*ck, Paramount+, and Disney+.
One way cable companies could adapt is by offering more affordable packages. They could also offer more specialized packages, such as packages that focus on sports or news.
Another way cable companies have been adapting is by partnering with streaming services. Recently several cable companies have stopped offering live TV and have instead partnered with services like YouTube TV.
The future of cord cutting is still up in the air. But one thing is for sure: the way we watch TV is changing, and cable companies are going to have to adapt if they want to survive. For now it seems like they see mobile phones and internet as the future instead of TV.
FAQs
Now, about five million people abandon cable TV every year — leaving about 75 million Americans in the traditional TV ecosystem, according to analyst estimates. Most analysts believe that 40 million to 60 million Americans will continue to subscribe to some form of traditional cable in the years to come.
Are cable channels dying? ›
These strategies have been surprisingly effective: although the popularity of streaming services are increasing, cable television is not dying at rates we would have expected. As a result, cable TV companies have transformed themselves into something entirely new for the consumer.
How can I watch TV without cable or internet? ›
Use An HD Antenna To Watch Over-The-Air TV
An HD antenna is an excellent option for watching Over-The-Air TV (OTA HDTV). To get started, select an indoor antenna compatible with your area and powerful enough to deliver the local channels you want.
How can I watch live TV after cutting the cord? ›
You can watch cable channels with a streaming player using cable alternative services or access select channels available in your area for free with an HDTV antenna. A streaming player is a great place to start saving money over cable—all you need is a TV and high-speed internet.
Does cable TV have a future? ›
Key Takeaways. The television industry has seen exponential changes over the past 10 years and the disruption is likely to continue over the next decade. Cable TV companies might have no choice but to unbundle packages as they face growing competition from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Will streaming overtake cable? ›
Streaming to Overtake Pay TV Subscription Revenue in the U.S. This Year. Total streaming revenue will hit $17.3 billion, topping $16.7 billion from pay TV, in the third-quarter of 2024, predicts research firm Ampere Analysis.
What is the #1 rated TV antenna? ›
For the best overall TV antenna, it's hard to beat the capable Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro. It boasts a built-in amplifier for suburban areas that may need a boost to get the most channels and an integrated signal-strength meter that helps you find the optimal spot for pulling in channels.
How much is Roku a month? ›
A Roku account is completely free and there are no monthly equipment rental fees, making streaming and saving easy. Adding a payment method lets you easily rent or buy movies on demand or subscribe to popular services like Netflix.
What equipment do I need to get rid of cable TV? ›
Smart devices for your TV
A smart device – also known as a media streaming device or media streamer – is a must-have accessory for most cord cutters*. It gives you access to streaming TV options and lets you control the content you're streaming to your TV from your wireless device.
How do I cancel cable but keep internet? ›
If you want to cancel cable but keep your internet, you need to do the following two steps:
- Call customer service.
- Request to cancel TV but keep internet service.
Cable TV providers typically charge a monthly subscription fee that includes access to a range of channels. However, these fees can be significantly higher than what you might pay for a Roku device. Additionally, cable TV often requires long-term contracts and additional charges for equipment rental or DVR services.
Does a smart TV need a cable box? ›
If you're wondering whether you need a cable box in order to get your favorite channels on a smart TV, we're here to help you decide. Long story short, you no longer need a cable subscription to watch your favorite shows and movies on a smart TV.
Is cable TV in the decline stage? ›
The decline in viewing on most cable networks continued in 2023. The falloff comes from the prevalence of cord cutting coupled with premium content and subsequently viewers leaving cable television for streaming platforms.
What percentage of households still have cable TV? ›
Share of adults who subscribe to a cable TV service U.S. 2019-2023. During a survey held in January 2023, 40 percent of respondents stated that their household was currently subscribing to a cable television service, compared to 47 percent who said the same in a study conducted in January 2019.
Is it worth getting rid of cable? ›
If most of your favorite shows are available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and Amazon Prime, and you don't mind waiting to get the most current season of some shows that are currently airing, cutting the cord should be a no-brainer.
