I all honesty, I stand behind D* and E*, and every other provider who holds out for a better deal on programming--even if it means a few days without the service--PARTICULARY for sports programming, which seems to be jacking the rates up even more than the other networks. What exact new coverage have they brought to the table that wasn't there 10 years ago? The only thing I see different are the teams and leagues that create their own networks (just like YES) and then hold the providers hostage... something should be done about that.
There eventually will come a point when even diehard fans will start dropping the services because it is just getting too damn expensive! I remember when (Total Choice) was $29.99 and Select was $19.99... Dish's AT250 was $39.99 IIRC when it came out. To me, that seems like a reasonable price for a basic package.
I don't know what will eventually fix it--there HAS to be a point where the advertising revenue loss due to lower viewership will be offset by the extra rates they are charging providers & directly to our bills. I don't believe ala carte is the answer--but possibly "themed ala carte" like in Canada. That way I can take out the kids block & the sports blocks I could care less about. The pricing can be in line with the services... a "general entertainment" theme of 6-8 channels could cost $5 per month, while the Sports theme with ESPN & others could be $12 to reflect the more expensive programming.... of course this will take the government stepping in.
--Nat
