Signal Spring 2019 Newsletter

www.alliancecom.net 11 Ironically, the same companies restricting options for traditional cable TV providers also own many of the Internet streaming ser- vices that are transforming the video industry. For instance, NBC Universal, which owns various channels like Bravo, CNBC, USA, and E!, is part owner of Hulu. CBS created its CBS All Access stream- ing service. Disney/ESPN, also part owner in Hulu, aggressively plans to expand its streaming options over the next year or two. Programmers are playing both sides of the game. They’re increas- ing rates and restricting features on traditional cable TV and satellite platforms. However, with direct online streaming services, they’re offering discounted rates and allowing features that they specifically prohibit on traditional platforms. With that being said, Alliance is faced with making decisions that impact either some customers’ viewing or all customers’ rates. Sometimes we must make tough decisions to move or remove channels with lower viewership in order to keep rates down and other highly watched channels on our lineup. We don’t take these decisions lightly. Examples of tough decisions include dropping AMC three years ago and CBS Sports Network just last year. Both channels were rarely watched except during a specific show or event when viewership rose slightly. The sporadic bumps in view- ership didn’t support a year-round increase in content costs and ultimately an increased rate for all customers. All programmers and broadcasters are bidding for the same stretched dollar, and it’s easy to blame Alliance when we remove channels to keep costs down. We’re the local cable provider, and you pay good money to see your favorite channels. I get it. However, please understand that those price increases come from programmers like Disney, Turner, Fox and NBC. Almost 98 per- cent of your basic cable bill covers these programming fees. Plus, local channels like KELO and KSFY have increased retransmission rates to more than $17 a month, and 100 percent of that fee is sent directly to local station owners in Texas and Georgia. Despite rigid programming contracts and other legal confines, Alliance is doing what it can to bring you competitive prices and extra services like local weather, local school channels, DVR, Movies on Demand, and other enhancements that help increase the value and convenience of our service. To be honest if customization and à la carte type programming are what you’re looking for, traditional cable might not be your best option. I urge you to try a Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV streaming device, boost up your Internet speed, and test out some streaming services available on the Internet. Channel lineups for Sling TV, Fubo, Philo or Hulu, or shows on Netflix may better suit your desires. Some of them have features like on-the-go viewing, which programmers ironically prohibit traditional cable compa- nies from providing. While this double standard is frustrating to us, it can benefit you. Alliance will continue offering video services for the foreseeable future; however, we’re looking at new technologies, partnerships and referral programs to bring more flexibility and choices to our customers. You have a state-of-the-art network from the world to your home, which allows you more video viewing options than ever before. Whether you use Alliance digital cable TV service or online options, I hope you find what you are looking for and stay entertained and informed. To learn more about other available TV options, visit www.alliancecom.net/tv-alternatives. Who Profits fromYour Cable TV Bill? Alliance uses its portion of your cable bill to cover operational expenses, which include equipment and signal transport. The rest of your bill covers programming expenses. This illustration doesn’t include your retransmission fee of more than $17/month, and 100% of this fee is sent directly to the owners of local channels like KELO-CBS and KSFY-ABC. FOX SCRIPPS DISNEY NBCU TURNER VIACOM DISCOVERY A&E ALLIANCE OTHER