Cable Programers Stick to Traditional Business Model

[Commentary] Cable operators are wary of any challenges to their existing business model because, hey, it works for them. Those who believe that the Internet makes it impossible for cable operators and content producers to prevent rival models from emerging need to think again. But copyright licensing gives the programmers (many of whom are vertically integrated with cable/broadband access providers) the ultimate say over who gets to (legally) put programming online. This gives the programmers considerable input into how the business model will evolve. So anyone wanting to distribute programming needs to stop thinking about the supposed inevitable march of technology and start trying to cut some deals that keep the current players happy.