The number of cable TV subscribers in the United States has been declining for years. In 2010, there were about 100 million cable subscribers. By 2020, that number had dropped to about 87 million. And it's projected to continue to decline in the coming years.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to this decline, including the rise of streaming services, the increasing cost of cable TV, and the availability of more affordable alternatives.

Is Internet to blame?

The rise of streaming services is often cited as the main reason for the decline in cable TV subscriptions. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video offer a more convenient and affordable way to watch TV. They allow viewers to watch what they want, when they want, and without having to pay for a monthly cable subscription.

The increasing cost of cable TV is also a major factor in the decline in subscriptions. The average monthly cost of cable TV has increased by more than 150% since 2000. This has made it unaffordable for many people, especially millennials and Gen Zers who are more likely to be streaming services.

The availability of more affordable alternatives is also contributing to the decline in cable TV subscriptions. Over-the-top (OTT) streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV allow viewers to watch live TV and streaming services without having to subscribe to a cable TV package. These devices are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger viewers.

Conclusion

The decline in cable TV subscriptions is a complex issue with a number of contributing factors. The rise of streaming services, the increasing cost of cable TV, and the availability of more affordable alternatives are all playing a role in this decline. It's likely that the trend will continue in the coming years as more and more people switch to streaming services.