I would have missed a piece in yesterday's New York Times had I not been listening to the Front Page podcast today. While sipping my coffee (black, poured from a press), James Baron's baritone voiceover recalled the news that average cable bills have increased 77% in the past 12 years.
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics says cable prices have risen 77% since 1996. That's roughly double the rate of inflation and the number of subscribers keeps growing.
It also turns out that on average cable customers watch only 13% of 118 channels they get." - James Baron, New York Times Podcast on 24 May 2008
Though I'm certain no one here will really be surprised by this finding, the amount of money that is willingly being handed over to the cable companies, to broadcast a sub-par product and then go have it go to waste (83% unwatched), is not just offensive it's deplorable.
Based on the article and my recent bills, I'm going with the low end of an average cable television bill being around $65 for the standard package. That's not including the premiere movie channels, specialty channels for sports and entertainment and access to adult-themed channels for additional cost.
According to the article (83% of all channels and programming going unwatched), that means the average loss of income annually (when compared to the amount of television unwatched) is $647.40 per subscriber.
$65.00 x 0.83 = $53.95 x 12 = $647.40
This may or may not seem like a lot, but multiply that figure by 64 million subscribers and it becomes a lot of waste. Variety is one thing, but wanton exploitation without regard is disheartening to me.
I've been a big advocate for quieter homes or just listening to the radio rather than to keep a television on in the background. The excuse of, "It's just on for background noise," turns my stomach since there are better things to hear in the background.
Enough opinion from me, what about you?