I am a big fan of Science Friday, the weekly radio show on public radio. While I typically listen for selfish reasons – being a geek, nerd, etc. – I was surprised to hear a very enlightening segment all about cable boxes, in light of the impending ruling from the FCC that will de-regulate the market.

If you have ten minutes for an interesting podcast, then click here to learn more.

You’re welcome!

This article from Ad Age is a terrific example of how OTT (Over-The-Top) content delivery is becoming a contentious issue as media conglomerates consolidate their stockpile of programming.

“Over-the-top is another term for online video.”

In this case, Charter Communications is in the final stages of acquiring Time-Warner Cable (which is no longer part of the larger Time Warner, Inc.). The conflict arises over the ability to grab HBO programs via its HBONow service.

One of the fears is that users of Charter broadband service will be “nudged” into viewing HBO through the more lucrative cable service, as opposed to online.

“Charter has worked to ease concerns over broadband, saying it won’t impose caps on data usage that might discourage viewing of internet video, pledging not to block rival traffic, and not charging video providers to connect Charter’s network.”

This question will continue to require scrutiny and intervention as audiences vacillate between cable television viewing and the increase in OTT programming. As it is, I have the choice of subscribing to HBO through DirecTV for a monthly fee, or subscribing to HBONow and watching through my phone, tablet or TV streaming stick, for another monthly fee, or downloading a podcast or watching segments on YouTube, for a fee. But this really applies only to “Real Time With Bill Maher” and “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.” How are you getting HBO (or other premium content) in this new digital marketplace?