In a further blow to the cable television industry, new data reveals that 70% of the top 10 most-popular networks on cable TV in 2024 are available for free using a simple over-the-air (OTA) antenna. This revelation is expected to fuel the ongoing “cord cutting” trend, as viewers realize they can access a significant portion of popular programming without a costly cable subscription.
According to Nielsen ratings per a report from Variety, the top 10 cable networks of 2024 are:
- CBS
- NBC
- ABC
- Fox
- Fox News
- ESPN
- MSNBC
- Univision
- Telemundo
- Ion
Of these, CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, Univision, Telemundo, and Ion can all be accessed free of charge with an OTA antenna. The remaining three networks, Fox News, ESPN, and MSNBC, are primarily focused on news and sports coverage.
The resurgence of OTA television is driven by several factors, including:
- Cost Savings: The most significant advantage of OTA television is its cost-effectiveness. With no monthly fees or contracts, viewers can save hundreds of dollars annually compared to cable or satellite subscriptions.
- High-Definition Quality: Modern OTA broadcasts offer exceptional picture quality, often surpassing that of cable or satellite. Many stations now broadcast in 1080i or even 4K resolution, providing a crystal-clear viewing experience.
- Increased Channel Availability: The number of channels available via OTA has expanded in recent years, with many areas receiving dozens of local and national networks.
- Improved Antenna Technology: Advances in antenna design have made it easier than ever to receive OTA signals, even in areas with challenging reception.
The growing popularity of OTA television has not gone unnoticed by the cable industry. In an effort to retain subscribers, many cable providers are offering “skinny bundles” with reduced channel lineups and lower prices. However, these packages often still include channels that are readily available for free OTA. This comes as a growing number of professional sports teams are putting their games for free on OTA TV networks to attract new subscribers.
As the cord cutting trend continues, the future of cable television remains uncertain. With the increasing availability of free, high-quality OTA programming, consumers are empowered to choose the entertainment options that best suit their needs and budgets.
Update: We updated the story to make it clearer that the top 10 most popular networks on cable TV are free with an antenna.