Broadcast networks are driving up the cost of cable and streaming

Recently, Cord Cutters News had an article that highlighted one of the reasons pay TV, both cable and streaming, is going up: the cost of the four major broadcast networks. The article highlights the increasing cost of streaming and cable TV services, attributing it largely to the rising cost of local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.

DISH recently announced a price hike, citing the escalating fees demanded by local broadcasters as the primary reason. This trend isn't limited to cable and satellite providers; streaming services like YouTube TV and Fubo have also been forced to increase their prices due to the same issue:

In a statement from DISH listing the reasons why they must raise the price, DISH blamed local TV stations "First, the local broadcasters of ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC stations continually force us to pay more for their channels or threaten to remove them from our customers. The cost for these channels has risen over 200% over the past 5 years."

While multiple factors contribute to the rising costs, the article emphasizes that the cost of local channels is a major driver. This is why I'm happy to have an antenna. It gets me access to the major broadcast networks, and over 30 other local channels. My Streaming Life is supported by free over the air TV.