Information Provided by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association
Cable’s method of delivering programming packages, with channels bundled into basic and digital tiers, has proven to provide both choice and quality to consumers. This model has enabled all programming networks, including niche networks that serve underserved audiences, to find and build an audience.
Some believe that receiving channels “a la carte,” or channels priced and ordered individually rather than from a selected bundle, would be a preferable option. However, both independent and industry studies have concluded that a la carte would offer no benefit to the vast majority of consumers and would, in fact, result in higher prices, less choice and less programming diversity.