Time Warner Cable recently introduced a new bundle aimed to win back cord-cutters who think cable TV has become too expensive. The “Starter TV with HBO” bundle includes access to 20 channels, including local channels in HD, as well as HBO and HBO Go, for $30 a month. If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is; Comcast started offering a similar bundle in October. While it’s a step in the right direction, Time Warner’s newest bundle isn’t as appealing as it is at first glance. You’ll still need to rent a cable box, which currently costs $10 a month. Add in taxes and fees and you’ll wind up with a bill close to $50 a month – and that still doesn’t include internet access or a DVR. Cable companies like Time Warner and Comcast are scrambling to regain the market share they’re losing, but these types of bundles alone won’t get the job done. A major shake-up is coming in the world of cable TV – it’s just a matter of who will blink first.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.