Final answer:
NBC's #1 cable network is the USA Network, with a large audience and a variety of popular programming that contributes significantly to NBC's ratings and ad revenue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The #1 cable network of NBC Universal, as approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2011, is the USA Network. This network commands a significant audience size, boasting over twice as many viewers as its closest basic cable competitor. The USA Network's success can be attributed to its broad appeal and popular programming, which offers a variety of dramas, comedies, and movies that resonate with a wide audience. It is part of a larger group of ad-supported cable channels that include TNT, Fox News, A&E, and ESPN, which collectively capture nearly one-third of all cable viewership.
Television consumption habits have evolved, with cable and satellite viewership surpassing traditional network viewership since 2001, a trend that is expected to continue. Despite the competitive landscape, the USA Network remains a strong performer within NBC's portfolio, contributing to the network's overall ratings and advertising dollars. In an age where niche programming on cable networks is common, the USA Network's more generalized, broad-appeal content sets it apart as a leader in cable network viewership.