Multicast Channels Spark Cord-Cutting in KC
Interesting piece from Aaron Barnhart in the Kansas City Star about the subchannel offerings in Kansas City, and the decent lineup of channel offerings there for those who choose to cut ties with their subscription TV operator.
Barnhart writes:
No fewer than 20 channels are flying through the Kansas City airwaves. Two were added in September alone. They feature an increasingly diverse range of programs: old-time TV shows and movies, lifestyle, cooking, home improvement, sports and programs aimed at minority audiences and kids, as well as educational, cultural, informational and inspirational offerings.
Sounds like cable, but these channels are free for the taking. They’re broadcast stations. Their signals emanate from the same towers as Kansas City’s ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates.
Newer channel offerings in the market include Bounce TV, Me-TV, Antenna TV and Live Well.
With some people saving their pennies in Kansas City, the rabbit ears approach is much cheaper than the monthly cable bill.
Writes Barnhart:
Take Sarah and Shea McGinnity, new parents living in Waldo. They pulled the plug on cable 2 1/2 years ago.
“We decided we were going to concentrate on paying off debt,” Sarah McGinnity said. “Also, we were just married and didn’t want to be stuck in front of the TV. We got an HD antenna for $20 - which we still have - and we got Netflix.”
ACL89 commented:
It's exciting to see an increase in channels with very specific programming that target particular audiences (like BIZ TV, mentioned below, which targets entrepreneurs and small business owners.) There are definitely more options on TV than ever before!
Rexjeep commented:
BizTV is also helping people find work, manage their income and retirement and introducing interesting opportunities. www.biztv.com one of the premier multicast channels.
Ted commented:
It will be interesting... these same broadcast stations are also likely asking for and getting some cents per subscriber from the cable companies for retransmission consent. The broadcast stations will get less money from that part of the business if they continue to make there over the air offerings more robust and encourage cord shaving. More people getting an antenna = less revenue coming into the TV station.
Moose commented:
It's interesting to see some of the vintage TV shows on these subchannels, but if all I wanted out of TV was watching Gidget reruns, I wouldn't watch TV at all.