Cable Television: Are Black People Paying Too Much?

Is that cable television bill really worth it? Black people sometimes pay too much. Sometimes by design, sometimes because we don’t explore all our options. So take a close look at your cable television bill and ask if it is really worth it. Television has changed so much in the last three years, thanks to the Internet, that you can probably shut off or at least reduce your cable television bill significantly. Let’s look at the options that can save you a lot of money.

You could just dump your cable altogether. Just get the basic channels and call it a day. But I’m willing to bet that will still cost you just shy of $100 a month. And you will probably miss some of your favorite shows that are only on cable.

Here is better option, Netflix. If you own a smart television, a television that is capable of internet connection, you’re on your way. Netflix is only $7.99 a month and you can pretty much watch whatever you want when you want on whatever device you have. Netflix offers a huge library of films and television programs and they have not ignored the African-American market when it comes to selections. You can find Tyler Perry movies and programs, stars like Kevin Hart and other popular programs like Breaking Bad. Do the math; $7.99 is a lot cheaper than the $200 a month you might be paying for premium cable.

Another popular choice is Hulu.com. This service also offers great programs that include The Voice, new programs like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Rake and yes, Scandal. You can try both Netflix and Hulu free for a trial period.

Another way to lower or eliminate that cable bill is to use devices like Chromecast or Apple TV. Both are network appliances that enable you to download content from the Internet including Netflix and Hulu. These devices are inexpensive one time purchases. How much are you paying each month to rent multiple cable boxes and DVR’s?

These services and devices do have a drawback. You probably won’t get to watch live sports and ESPN, NFL and NBA networks are not available. And we know missing the Final Four is not an option!  So some basic cable may be necessary. But again, I am willing to bet your television expenses will drop considerably.

The growing trend is television on demand. It makes sense; people are demanding more flexibility.  Black people should explore these services and devices  and keep some of that money in our pocket. I am not going to say that you will find everything you want but you should find plenty of viewing options and some you have not considered. You will discover that your television watching habits will change more to your liking. You might be surprised to find that you can subscribe to multiple services for much less than your current cable bill.

Now You Know