You might have read about the recent standoff between Time Warner Cable and Fox. As I read a bit more, I learned that this dispute is a symptom of a bigger problem that could change the future of TV. The major networks, which have always provided their shows for free and depended primarily on ad revenue, are making less and less money due to the huge and expanding number of cable companies. Ratings for the major networks are down, advertisers have more choices regarding where to advertise, so the networks can’t charge as much for each ad. DallasNews.com posts an excellent article that explains the problem more clearly. The TWC-Fox dispute arose when Fox demanded that TWC start paying a fee to broadcast its programming.

If the networks’ woes continue, they might be forced to stop providing shows for free, forcing everyone who wants TV service to get it via cable, satellite, the Internet, or some other paid service. Since we use an HD antenna to watch TV, such a change would hurt us (and waste a good antenna). I assume the cost of cable or satellite TV service would rise accordingly.

More people would obtain their TV service through the Internet, which they already pay for. Many people already do so using sites like Hulu.com or the individual networks’ websites. Apple offers some programming through a paid TV service called Apple TV. Apple is currently negotiating with Disney and CBS to add their shows to the lineup.

The next few years should be quite interesting in the realm of TV.