Sling TV: We'd Offer A La Carte, But Broadcasters Won't Let Us Sling TV says the company would love to offer users broadcast channels a la carte (individually), but the broadcast industry simply won't let them. While studies have shown that the vast majority of consumers would like to be able to buy channels piecemeal, broadcasters have long vehemently opposed the plan, claiming for the better part of this decade that such an option would raise rates for consumers (that's already happening) while resulting in niche channels being killed off (also, already happening).

Sling TV CEO Roger Lynch says that he'd love to break through this logjam and let users pick their channels, but broadcasters continue to refuse to provide the adequate licensing rights. "Every consumer would love to just pay $20 and then choose the twenty channels they want," argued Lynch in a blog post. "And we would love that too. We would do that in a heartbeat if programmers would let us…but they won’t. So we have fought long and hard to create consumer choice." Oddly, while Lynch's post claims Sling is offering "A La Carte TV" anyway...it's not. The company's still offering its base "Orange" tier with 30 channels for $20, on to which users can add a variety of channel packs or premium options like HBO. Sling is, however, offering a new promotion for its Air TV player, which combines over the top broadcasts with the company's live streaming options. Normally priced at $130, Sling says the promo will drop the price point down to $50 for those interested in the option (note: AirTV doesn't yet work with Sling TV's cloud DVR beta). If you're still waiting for true a la carte, however, you may find yourself waiting a good, long while. Most motivation to push carriers into offering such an option has waned in the States, and Canadian mandates to force cable providers into providing such an option has resulted in cable providers simply If you're still waiting for true a la carte, however, you may find yourself waiting a good, long while. Most motivation to push carriers into offering such an option has waned in the States, and Canadian mandates to force cable providers into providing such an option has resulted in cable providers simply tap dancing around the requirements. The best we can hope for is that this year's surge in streaming alternatives pressures cable providers to finally do the unthinkable, and begin more seriously competing on channel bundle flexibility -- and price.







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Most recommended from 42 comments

derek4484

join:2016-08-16

Lexington, SC 16 recommendations derek4484 Member Niche channels should be killed off If they cannot survive on their own, let them die off. Or they have to charge enough to the viewers that want to watch them so they can break even. I'm sick of subsidizing niche channels that very, very few people watch.

Tomek

Premium Member

join:2002-01-30

Valley Stream, NY 5 recommendations Tomek Premium Member Back in RIAA days Remember how similar problem was found in music industry, were music was 'bundled' in CDs. Eventually after lawsuits and heavy pushbacks, they finally accepted the fate and adapted to market.