Question

How have direct broadcast satellite (DBS) services challenged cable?

A) They offer a lot more stations than cable.
B) They are able to send signals directly to small satellite dishes where the installation of cable wires hasn't been possible.
C) They have started to create their own programming, while cable still only shows reruns of old network programs.
D) They have a better relationship with broadcast networks than cable does, and thus have lower retransmission fees than cable.
E) All of the options are correct.

Answer 1

DBS has challenged cable by offering more station variety, the ability to reach remote areas, and by creating original programming. Cable still has a stronghold in niche markets and targeted advertising, despite the growing satellite presence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) services have challenged cable in several key ways:

• DBS offers a large variety of stations, often exceeding what cable provides.
• DBS can send signals directly to small satellite dishes in locations where cable installation is impractical or impossible.
• Unlike early cable, which relied heavily on reruns, DBS providers have created their own original programming.

Additionally, while both cable and DBS offer on-demand programming, satellite has expanded rapidly in terms of coverage and variety, providing services in areas unreachable by cable and through subscription-based models with specialized content, like satellite radio. Cable, however, as a medium has allowed niche markets to thrive and gain subscriber fees from cable companies, providing a highly targeted platform for advertisers and content creators alike.