Major cable operator introducing new packages with and without sports channels

Cable Operator Charter is changing its main TV packages to provide consumers with an affordable option without sports.

Owner of Spectrum, the second biggest cable service in the United States, Charter is reimaging its Spectrum TV Select package in the third quarter of 2023. The package will now be split into two distinct offerings. One called Spectrum Select Plus will include regional sports channels, league-operated networks, and nationally distributed networks such as ESPN. The other, called Spectrum Select Signature, will not include the majority of sports channels, which ideally works best for non-sports fans.

In its press release, the company gave its reasoning for the split package, highlighting how the vast majority of cable subscribers do not watch sports channels:

Historically, sports networks’ agreements have required distributors to pay for, and make available their programming service to a large majority of subscribers—almost always over 80%—even if many of them never watch it. Charter’s industry-leading new distribution model will allow sports fans to continue to watch the programming they love, while also providing a new and more affordable option based on the customer’s viewing preferences. Additionally, this model supports the networks as they pursue DTC streaming options, while ensuring Charter’s customers continue to get the same programming on an authenticated basis.

In some markets such as New York, Charter has already offered something similar in terms of a sports-free package for cord-cutting wireless internet users called TV Essentials. However, these new offerings would go for those who still use traditional set-top boxes, which cable companies still charge rental fees for if a subscriber doesn't buy boxes they can install themselves.

Sports channels tend to be among the most expensive channels in a cable package. As cord-cutting has dramatically changed when, where and how consumers watch television, Charter is the first major cable operator that will provide a distinct package for users who have minimal to zero interest in sports. It will be some time before we see how this two-pronged strategy works for Charter, but this has been the cable operator's best attempt to stop the bleeding when it comes to declining subscriptions. It also remains to be seen if Comcast, the nation's largest cable provider, and other operators will follow suit.