Colonel Steve in Louisville saw my post on on a-la-carte and posted a reaction to it on his blog.
Steve disagreed with my position, saying that new cable channels should not be subsidized by the existing channel lineup. Let those new channels stand or fall on their own in an economic "survival of the fittest."
I had said that the current channel lineup model has been a great deal for consumers, providing seemingly endless entertainment and information options for $2 per day. And even though Colonel Steve disagrees that this is the best model, I think he would agree with my underlying point -- that government-mandated a-la-carte would be a bad deal for consumers - dramatically limiting television by eliminating the diverse options consumers have now.
I respect the Colonel's "survival of the fittest" point of view. But I do not believe that legislative or regulatory solutions would achieve that goal without triggering other unintended consequences. An a-la-carte model that is created by free market conditions would be far more palatable to me.
Have a great extended weekend. As you enjoy the time with family and friends, let's remember to think about those we honor on Memorial Day -- the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for each and every one of us.
Amen. If you like your freedom to express yourself, thank a veteran.
Posted by: David Pelletier | Friday, May 23, 2008 at 03:41 PM