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The End of Cable TV as We Know It: Networks Face Uncertain Future as Comcast, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Lionsgate Get Rid Of Their Channels

submitted by dosvydanya_freedomz to technology 1 dayJun 10, 2025 08:38:02 ago (+14/-1)     (cordcuttersnews.com)

https://cordcuttersnews.com/the-end-of-cable-tv-as-we-know-it-networks-face-uncertain-future-as-comcast-warner-bros-discovery-and-lionsgate-get-rid-of-their-channels/

In a seismic shift for the media industry, major players Comcast, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), and Lionsgate have announced plans to or have spin off their cable TV networks into independent companies, signaling what many analysts are calling the beginning of the end for traditional cable television. Networks like MSNBC, CNBC, CNN, TNT, TBS, USA Network, and others, once cornerstones of the cable landscape, are being cleaved from their parent companies as the industry grapples with declining viewership, shrinking revenues, and the relentless rise of streaming platforms. This move underscores a stark reality: cable TV, once a cash cow for media giants, is no longer seen as a profitable venture worth keeping on their books.

This move marks a clear end to the current ownership of many major cable TV networks as their owners no longer see them as having a future worth holding onto.

Comcast, the nation’s largest cable and broadband provider, set the stage in November 2024 when it revealed plans to spin off NBCUniversal’s cable networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, Syfy, E!, Oxygen, and Golf Channel, into a new publicly traded entity tentatively called “SpinCo.” The move, expected to be finalized by late 2025, aims to insulate Comcast’s core businesses—such as its broadband services and theme parks—from the declining fortunes of cable TV.


14 comments block

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[ - ] Scyber 3 points 1 dayJun 10, 2025 10:51:01 ago (+3/-0)

Cable has been trash for at least 10 years. It's been nothing but blocks of reruns and commercials for the past 5 years. I don't see how anyone can possibly pay for that mind-numbing shit anymore.

[ - ] dosvydanya_freedomz [op] 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 11:03:31 ago (+1/-0)

too expensive too even if you dont have the " premium channels" it can go over 200 bucks a month easily with the normal package because of the broadcasting and rental fees alone

[ - ] RobertJHarsh 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 12:29:24 ago (+1/-0)

They also make cable systems carrying garbage no one watches like ESPN if you want to carry channels people would actually watch like the other channels owned by Disney. That is what drives the price up.

[ - ] 2plus2equals5 2 points 1 dayJun 10, 2025 10:36:48 ago (+2/-0)

I've never had cable. After they promised "no commercials for paid tv", they lied.

So when I watch elsewhere I begin to notice something statistically impossible:
-Switch channels ten times.
-There is a commercial on every single new channel.
-That is 10/10. 100% commercial content. It should be 2/10 at most.
-Why would anyone pay for that?

[ - ] dosvydanya_freedomz [op] 2 points 1 dayJun 10, 2025 08:39:14 ago (+2/-0)

NPC ALERT IN THE COMMENTS:

Derrick H.
2 minutes ago

This is truly sad. I'm one of the last remaining cable customers left. I love cable. I love the linear nature of it. I love just turning on the TV and have something running in the background without having to think. Love it. I tried cord cutting and found it complicated and costly. I struggled managing a bunch of different subscriptions and realized I was paying for stuff I wasn't even using. I decided to switch back to cable and the joy of watching TV came back. If the future of TV is a grid of icons it will truly break my heart.

[ - ] RobertJHarsh 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 12:35:40 ago (+1/-0)

That was ok in the 80s and 90s. Now I and most people are looking for something specific to watch, which is mostly nothing.

[ - ] SteppingRazor 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 18:58:00 ago (+1/-0)

The pharmaceutical industry has been propping them up for a decade or more now. I have an OTA antenna on my house and get around 30 channels of local broadcasting for free. I get my netflix for free through my cell provider and only have Amazon prime because we gift it to the MIL. I prefer Amazon video over netflix, much more educational stuff. We haven’t paid for cable/dish since 2009.

[ - ] Clubberlang 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 19:45:17 ago (+1/-0)

Side effects include

[ - ] RobertJHarsh 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 12:25:49 ago (+1/-0)

For the longest time I couldn't figure out why they were encrypting ATSC 3.0 channels and now it makes sense. I bet those spinoffs will start open air broadcasting in the not so distant future. Garbage liked Oxygen, E!, and other woke bottomfeeder channels will be free but people would pay for Golf, USA network, etc.

[ - ] bonghits4jeebus 0 points 1 dayJun 10, 2025 15:03:32 ago (+0/-0)

I don't think that using ATSC is the way to go. Who has a tuner and antenna? I think even old people are more likely to have cable.

[ - ] RobertJHarsh 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 16:35:56 ago (+1/-0)

I think for the old people until they check out I think you are right. But ATSC 3.0 has a far better signal. 1.0 is crap. It's almost there with FM radio. A small unit can pick it up in a basement. I actually have a tuner and antenna on the way. I want to check it out for myself.

[ - ] dosvydanya_freedomz [op] 0 points 1 dayJun 10, 2025 20:05:09 ago (+0/-0)

[ - ] RobertJHarsh 1 point 1 dayJun 10, 2025 22:02:25 ago (+1/-0)

Oh that DRM shit is a problem and since we have Republicans running the place right now it's very likely it will stay since they will side with network operators.

[ - ] Clubberlang 0 points 1 dayJun 10, 2025 19:42:40 ago (+0/-0)

Didn't even know cable still existed honestly.

Haven't paid for a cable bill since 2003.