Understanding Broadcast and Cable Finance, 2nd Edition

Introduction to the Second Edition

Although it may sound like hyperbole, the world of broadcast and cable finance has changed dramatically since BCFM Press published the first edition of this book in 1994. Then the Internet was a curiosity, and very few people had email—if they did, it was via a slow dial-up connection (2400 baud was considered fast!). Fax machines were considered cutting-edge technology; cell phones were very expensive, and their weight was measured in pounds, not ounces. A cable system with 100 analog channels was state of the art. Radio, TV, and cable ownership was disbursed among many, many smaller companies. Satellite television was just being launched, as were digital cable tiers. There was no such thing as high-definition ...