Cable Television and the Future of Broadcasting

Chapter OneCable Television in the United States: A Story of Continuing Growth and Change

Vernone Sparkes

By the end of 1985, at least 45 and possibly 50 per cent of US television households will be receiving some type of cable television service. By the end of the decade, with the final wiring of the remaining large cities, penetration can be expected to move up towards 62-65 per cent, where, unless there are any major government or industry policy changes, penetration growth will likely level off, wi th only gradual increase thereafter, upwards to the 70 per cent range. While consumer reticence and competition from other telecommunications technologies together point to such a growth plateau, majority opinion is still that cable television, ...