Final answer:
At a critical juncture for the cable/broadcast industry, Comcast had the option of merging with NBC Universal, expanding its reach and programming options. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 also provided opportunities for Comcast by allowing networks to acquire cable stations. Additionally, the introduction of on-demand programming offered another avenue for Comcast to provide content to subscribers.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the critical juncture for the cable/broadcast industry, one of the options for Comcast was the merger with NBC Universal, which was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2011. This merger allowed Comcast to become the largest cable and home Internet provider in the nation, while also gaining ownership of major television shows, movies, and lucrative cable channels.
Additionally, cable and satellite providers started offering on-demand programming, allowing viewers to watch programs instantly without being tied to a schedule. This further expanded options for Comcast in terms of providing on-demand content to subscribers.
Furthermore, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 played a significant role in shaping the options for Comcast. The act brought changes to the radio and television industries, allowing networks to purchase large numbers of cable stations and reducing competition in the industry.