We’ve chronicled how cord cutting has increased over the years causing some cause for concern among the cable networks. However, there’s some encouraging news for the cable and satellite providers who keep hearing how cutters have eaten into their bottom lines.
A new survey by Frank N. Magid Associates shows that live sports is causing some people to think twice about dropping their cable subscriptions. Of those people who have gone all-antenna or internet for their TV viewing, 39% say live sports programming is a major reason why they would bring their pay-TV subscriptions back.
And in more encouraging news, 90% say they watch sports on TV rather on their mobile devices.
But as technology improves, the internet is gaining more favor among viewers. The survey says 37% of sports fans say they have watched sports online. It adds that people will watch games on their computers with a minority watching on their mobiles or tablets.
Fans can watch games online, but many events have to be authenticated through a cable or satellite account login. While Dish’s Sling TV has some sports networks on its skinny package, it doesn’t compare to the satellite providers’ subscription packages.
We have yet to see a reverse in the number of cord cutters, but networks like ESPN have to feel positive about those who are having second thoughts. Still, the viewers have to make the decision to return to cable or satellite and so far, there’s no indication that that is happening.
Comments are closed.
About Ken Fang
Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.
He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.
Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.