The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) released its annual “Status of Competition for Video Services” report today, revealing a continuing decline in cable television subscribers across the state. In 2024, only 1,100,636 Michigan households still paid for cable TV, representing a mere 27.24% of the state’s total households. This trend reflects a nationwide shift away from traditional cable television as consumers increasingly embrace streaming services.
The report, which gathers data from cable and video providers in Michigan, shows a steady decline in subscribers over the past several years, with the exception of a temporary increase in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of subscribers has plummeted from a peak of 2.3 million in 2015 to just over 1.1 million in 2024, highlighting the dramatic impact of cord cutting.
The report also noted a decrease in the number of video and cable television operators in Michigan, dropping from 31 in 2023 to 29 in 2024. This consolidation reflects the challenges faced by traditional cable providers as they compete with streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Despite the decline in subscribers, the number of franchise agreements between video and cable providers and municipalities increased in 2024, rising to 2,274 from 2,206 in 2023. This suggests that while the overall subscriber base is shrinking, providers are still expanding their reach into new areas.
The MPSC report also highlighted a significant decrease in customer complaints in 2024. The commission received 808 complaints, a 63% drop from the 2,183 complaints filed in 2023. The most common complaints involved cable line issues, billing charges, and internet service problems.
The MPSC’s annual report provides valuable insights into the state of the cable and video industry in Michigan. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by traditional cable providers as they adapt to the changing media landscape. The report also underscores the importance of consumer protection and the MPSC’s role in resolving disputes between customers, municipalities, and service providers.
The MPSC has made several recommendations to the Legislature based on the report’s findings, including:
- Moving the due date of the annual report to March 1st: This would allow respondents more time to provide accurate year-end information.
- Requiring video and cable providers to submit additional information: This would ensure the MPSC has accurate contact information for handling complaints and gathering data.
- Requiring providers to notify the MPSC of company name changes, closures, or mergers: This would help the MPSC maintain accurate records and better serve consumers.
The MPSC’s “Status of Competition for Video Services” report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers, providing a comprehensive overview of the cable and video landscape in Michigan. As the media industry continues to evolve, the MPSC’s role in ensuring consumer protection and promoting competition will become increasingly important.