Final answer:
The rise of satellite broadcasting in the 1980s significantly contributed to the accessibility of cable TV to the public by breaking major network monopolies and enabling specialized channels. Technologies and deregulation, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the transition to digital television, also facilitated this expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development that primarily contributed to bringing cable TV to the general public was the rise of satellite broadcasting. In the 1980s, cable networks began utilizing satellite broadcasts, which disrupted the monopoly held by major networks that continued to broadcast over the air. This innovation allowed for specialized channels, such as CSPAN and ESPN, to emerge in 1979, targeting specific audiences and attracting focused advertising revenue. The increase in choice and the direct broadcast satellite services in the later years further empowered the consumer, challenging cable's dominance.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 also played a significant role in changing the media landscape by removing ownership limits and enabling networks to buy numerous cable stations. This change, alongside the proliferation of digital television (DTV), further paved the way for a diverse and competitive television broadcasting sector that transcended traditional cable networks.