Cord cutting continues evolution in light of costs, choices in programming

It was just four years, but it feels like eons ago when I officially cut the cord.

Perhaps in television years it was, some would say I was late to the party. Others might say I was early. The reality: as cable bills skyrocketed, streaming services became more prevalent and Internet speeds faster, cord cutting accelerated.

And it continues to do so. But circumstances are vastly different than they were those four short years ago. Back then it was mostly about cutting the cord to decrease cable bills with significantly less expensive live TV streaming services.

Live TV streaming services double in price on average

Now, those services, which included YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and Fubo among others, have in some cases doubled in price. For example: YouTube TV launched in 2017 at $35 but now its base plan is $72.99. With that hike has come more channels, technological improvements to the service and, of course, price hikes from programming providers. However, it still lacks the assorted fees seen on cable bills that can pad the price of cable packages usually after an introductory period.

Cord cutting 2.0: Self-bundling and plenty of uncertainty as TV becomes more personalized

Those services also have not been immune to carriage disputes with those program providers either. I began my cord cutting odyssey back then with the now-defunct PlayStation Vue (R.I.P.), a service so perfect I still mourn its demise because its parent company, Sony, had no idea what it was doing.

That isn’t where I would start that journey today, however.

Getting a TV antenna can give flexibility for viewing, relief from prices

What turned out to be my backup plan in the event of an Internet or service outage would be the starting point today. If you’re in an area where possible, begin with an antenna, said Ryan Dannemiller of Akron’s D&L Communications.

For many receiving over-the-air broadcasts with a relatively inexpensive indoor antenna is possible. Those who cannot, can call Dannemiller’s company, which installs outdoor antenna systems starting at around $300.

They should begin by surveying their locations through tvfool.com or rabbitears.info

Why bother?

If you’re the type of individual who only worries about local channels, news and some sports, an antenna is an attractive option. The obvious advantage is saving cash. However, when considering that a local channel such as WJW (Channel 8) was off the air on DirecTV and its ancillary services, the advantage is clearer.

More: What Fox 8 viewers can do to get the channel to watch NFL games amid DirectTV dispute

According to recent data from the Leichtman Research Group, a media research firm, the average cable bill for TV only is $112.70. Over-the-air television isn’t just the same six channels in Northeast Ohio of 25 years ago. There are main channels and subchannels (I personally receive more than 40). Other than national news from cable news channels and sports, it’s difficult to differentiate what’s on those channels from some of the endless reruns that populate the programming grid on cable systems.

Fill streaming desires with FAST channels, other streaming services

In some respect, it gets simpler after that. If you are that rabid sports fan who needs NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB and college games, chances are that you will want to add on a cable-like package such as YouTube TV, Fubo or Hulu with Live TV. News junkies will want to do the same for access to MSNBC, CNN or Fox News, among others.

If commercials do not bother you, FAST channels such as Tubi, Pluto TV, the Roku Channel and others offer news and entertainment options. What does “FAST” stand for? Free ad-supported television. The operative word is “free.” Yes, that sounds suspiciously like what we’ve been doing since the advent of television, no?

Lastly, if everyone in the entertainment industry is honest, the scripted programming that used to come in America’s homes on network TV with regularity has been whisked off to various streaming services such as MAX, Disney+, Paramount and Netflix.

Different folks have different tastes. Fill in your video-on-demand desires based on water cooler buzz or your particular tastes. The best thing about these services? No contracts. All of the ones mentioned have ad-free and ad-supported versions.

Normally, I’m not one to espouse the cancel and re-subscribe method to those services, but given the steady price increase and some executives believing they are underpriced, act according to your conscience.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cord cutting continues evolution in light of costs, program choices