Article: Cable channel shutdown points up industry woes; maturing industry looks to conquer new markets. (SportsChannel America) (Industry Overview)

When SportsChannel struck out last week, the local cable television industry was shaken. After 10 years of almost non-stop growth for programmers and systems operators, the channel's demise was indicative of problems cablers face in a mature market, also in the midst of a poor economy.

"We have indeed been affected by the economy. Our subscription rates have fallen off as some customers can't afford cable service and have tightened their belts," said Carla Merriman, executive director for the Southern California Cable Marketing Council.

Merriman said the best growth over the next five years here will be in marketing toward blacks, Hispanics and Asians. The ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!