IN THE UNITED STATES
MEMORANDUM OF SUPPORT

Television and or the basics of viewing has become somewhat of a necessity. This is how news and events, since we have become mostly of world involvement are communicated and seen. Without such a media of information distribution of important events would take a lot longer to be known.

Argument

Analog television was free except for the price of a television. Then cable came along which offered more channels but you were required to pay for the cable service. This expanded what television had to offer along with twenty four hour programming. The question of debate is the following: With all channels that deliver important news and programming on a constant and up to date basis, what channels should now be considered free and offered as such through the cable companies?  Furthurmore, why is digital television suddenly a catalyst to force people into paying for programs that were once free during the days of analog television?

Debate

Television networks have certainly witnessed the change in service and that they now have allowed customers to be charged for channels that should be part of basic television by local and world event broadcasting. Just because programs are now transmitted digitally, why did that instance allow people to be charged for free channels? Actual programs or channels that are considered free or basic should still be offered as such. Instead most television plans combine all of the free channels along with other fee based channels in order to charge you for the use of digital cable or FIOS television. Therefore, the consumer does not have a choice because the cable or FIOS companies have created the digital divide in not allowing you access to free channels unless you pay for programs they want to charge you for as well. Even when you use a television converter with an antenna you still lose out on the other available free networks because television went digital and became a monopoly used to control what the viewer could now watch without cable or FIOS television. Although, you are now charged more because those who currently had cable prior to the switch to digital were subjected into purchasing a more expensive cable plan in order to recieve channels that were otherwise offered free of charge.

Regulators have taken away the choice of free affordable viewing during a struggling economy that needs to know information in case of national emergency.

Conclusion

Regulators and the FCC need to implement a structured television standard. This would include the option of free digital network viewing. The only charges a customer would incur would be the installation fee for the cable or FIOS and the optional monthly cost of a set-top box/router. By doing so this would allow any customer to be provided with the basics of channels that are free of charge and would also leave the option up to the customer to purchase any additional channel, program  or download for special events ie. movie, concert or sports events ect. per showing or on a monthly basis. This new television standard will satisfy cost measures that provide access to free programming to those who cannot afford cable or FIOS TV packages by providing the basic channels necessary for program viewing.

Dated: July 24, 2010      Attest: A. Sadiq                        
                                             On Behalf of Pieces