Cutting the cable, lets talk options and media setups

This has become the norm since these networks started to merge with each other and grow larger and larger. Mega mergers never benefit the consumers. The networks control the prices. Almost like OPEC. These streaming services like youtubeTV are beholden to whatever the networks say. The networks also tend to force bundles of channels onto streaming services, which unsurprisingly raises cost. Say for example a streaming service wanted to offer ESPN to their customers. They can't just sign a deal to stream ESPN, they also have to include other 'channels' that company owns, for an increased cost, which they then have to pass to the customers.