Apple TV App Offering Extended One-Month Paramount+ Trial Through June

One thing I don't understand is, why can't these networks be free with ads?

For decades broadcast TV was free, and made insane amounts of money with ads. What has changed?

They still are free with ads. I have no problem pulling in CBS through my digital antenna.

But if you want to watch older content, new content they're making specifically for their subscription service, or content on your schedule and not the network's, then they'll ask you to pay for it.

One thing I don't understand is, why can't these networks be free with ads?

For decades broadcast TV was free, and made insane amounts of money with ads. What has changed?

Because business believes if your profits do not grow every quarter then you’re dying. Gotta squeeze more blood from that turnip.

For decades broadcast TV was free, and made insane amounts of money with ads. What has changed?

A capitalistic desire for more money. Duh.

One thing I don't understand is, why can't these networks be free with ads?

For decades broadcast TV was free, and made insane amounts of money with ads. What has changed?

GREED!

Wanting to keep more of your money for content you create instead of sharing it is greed?

In case you hadn't noticed, more and more people are cutting the cord.

https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/21/pandemic-accelerated-cord-cutting-making-2020-the-worst-ever-year-for-pay-tv/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dbloom/2021/01/12/cord-cutting-to-accelerate-in-2021-with-27-percent-of-cable-households-disconnecting/?sh=17c930303a6e

It's a trend that sees no sign of ending any time soon.

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/03/17/cable-and-satellite-tv-use-has-dropped-dramatically-in-the-u-s-since-2015/

In order to reach those viewers, content creators are creating their own service at a much lower price than what you'd pay for cable tv. They wouldn't bother if people didn't actually want and pay for these subscription services.

You get to turn on and off the subscription whenever you please, and you can watch what you want, when you want. Seems like a win to me.

People are willing to pay for a streaming service WiTH ADS. When people stop forking over $$$ for ADS the model will change.

That's probably not going to happen any time soon.

https://www.emarketer.com/content/ad-supported-video-viewership-on-rise-opportunities-marketers

One thing I don't understand is, why can't these networks be free with ads?

For decades broadcast TV was free, and made insane amounts of money with ads. What has changed?

The ads got insulting and the programming got worse.

Because business believes if your profits do not grow every quarter then you’re dying. Gotta squeeze more blood from that turnip.

It's true, because that's how it really works. Seriously, if your earnings don't increase every quarter (as well as year-over-year), then you really ARE dying. It's not squeezing blood or anything like that; that's just how the stock market works.

GREED! People are willing to pay for a streaming service WiTH ADS. When people stop forking over $$$ for ADS the model will change.

How is it greed when people are willing to pay for said service?

You're right, the model won't change until people stop paying. But if they're paying, then they have agreed to whatever quality is being provided. It's not greed.

Me? I am actually VERY greedy. I want it free, with no ads, no political messaging, AND I want good content.

Now THAT is greedy. You're welcome.