tag:Colorado - Newsy Today

The Cable TV Exodus: How YouTube TV is Becoming the New Default

The slow but steady decline of traditional cable television continues, with WOW!, a regional broadband provider, becoming the latest to fully embrace the streaming future. As of March 2026, WOW! is completing its transition to YouTube TV for all its video customers, a move signaling a broader industry trend. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a clear indication of where the television landscape is headed.

From Cable Boxes to Streaming Bundles: A Changing Market

For years, cable companies have faced a shrinking subscriber base. Nielsen data reveals that only 21.2% of U.S. Homes had cable TV in January 2026, down from 24.4% the previous year. Simultaneously, streaming TV has surged, reaching 47% of homes, up from 42.6%. This shift is driven by consumer preference for flexibility, lower costs, and a wider range of content options.

WOW!’s strategy reflects this change. In May 2023, the company announced plans to phase out its traditional pay TV business and partner with Google to offer YouTube TV. By August 2023, YouTube TV was available as a bundled option with WOW!’s internet plans, and sales of traditional cable products ceased. Now, all new WOW! residential video customers automatically receive YouTube TV.

The Economics of Cutting the Cord

The decision to move away from traditional cable isn’t simply about consumer demand; it’s too about economics. As Cord Cutter News points out, cable operators are grappling with declining subscribers, high content licensing expenses, equipment upkeep, and support demands. High-speed internet is proving to be a more viable long-term focus.

WOW! customers are often experiencing a price decrease after switching to YouTube TV, especially when bundled with internet service. This makes the transition attractive for both the company and its subscribers. Andrew Walton, head of communications for WOW!, stated that the agreement with YouTube TV “advances our broadband-first strategy and addresses fundamental changes in the TV business.”

What This Means for the Future of TV

WOW!’s move is part of a larger trend of industry consolidation. Cable companies are increasingly recognizing that they can better serve their customers – and their bottom lines – by partnering with streaming services rather than trying to compete with them directly. This allows them to focus on their core competency: providing internet access.

The transition isn’t without its challenges. Existing WOW! TV+ streaming customers are being migrated to YouTube TV, with the process expected to be completed by June 30, 2026. Legacy cable TV customers with set-top boxes are being transitioned in stages, with some losing service as early as April 2026. The exact timeline for full transition varies by location.

The DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners Acquisition

This shift also comes after WOW! (WideOpenWest, Inc.) was acquired and taken private in December 2025 by DigitalBridge Group, Inc. And Crestview Partners. This acquisition, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, likely accelerated the company’s strategic move towards a streaming-focused future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I have a WOW! TV+ subscription? Your service is being migrated to YouTube TV. The transition is expected to be complete by June 30, 2026.

I have traditional WOW! cable TV with a set-top box. What will happen to my service? You will be gradually transitioned to YouTube TV. Some customers have already begun losing service, and the timeline varies by location.

Will I lose channels when switching to YouTube TV? Channel lineups may vary between WOW! TV and YouTube TV. Check the YouTube TV channel list to see if your favorite channels are included.

Will my bill change when I switch to YouTube TV? Most WOW! customers experience a decrease in their TV bill after moving to YouTube TV, particularly when bundled with internet service.

The future of television is undoubtedly streaming. WOW!’s decision to fully embrace YouTube TV is a testament to this reality, and it’s likely that other cable companies will follow suit as the industry continues to evolve.

What are your thoughts on the shift from cable to streaming? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Colorado Considers Sweeping Changes to Sports Betting: A Look at Prop Bet Bans and Beyond

Colorado lawmakers are weighing significant changes to the state’s sports betting landscape, potentially mirroring a growing national trend. Senate Bill 26-131, dubbed the “Sports Betting Protections Act,” aims to curb what some see as the darker side of online wagering, focusing on proposition bets – often called “prop bets” – and responsible gaming measures.

What are Prop Bets and Why the Concern?

Prop bets allow gamblers to wager on specific, often granular, aspects of a game. Instead of simply betting on who will win, you might bet on how many points a particular basketball player will score, or even whether the opening coin toss will land on heads or tails. While seemingly harmless, these bets have come under scrutiny due to concerns about game integrity.

Recent incidents, like the cases involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, and NBA player Jontay Porter, have highlighted the potential for manipulation. Clase and Ortiz face federal charges for allegedly throwing slower pitches to influence prop bet outcomes, while Porter was banned for life after admitting to faking injuries to stay under statistical thresholds for prop bets. These cases raise fears that athletes could be targeted by gamblers, facing threats or bribes to influence their performance.

Major League Baseball and the NCAA have both voiced support for limiting or banning prop bets, recognizing the threat to the integrity of their sports.

Key Provisions of SB26-131

The proposed legislation goes beyond just banning prop bets. It includes a range of measures designed to promote responsible gambling and protect consumers. These include:

Deposit Limits: Online sportsbooks would be limited to accepting a maximum of five deposits within a 24-hour period from any single bettor.
Communication Restrictions: Sportsbooks would be prohibited from sending text messages or push notifications encouraging further wagering or deposits.
Credit Card Ban: Gamblers would no longer be able to employ credit cards to fund their accounts.
Winning Bettor Protections: Sportsbooks would necessitate to demonstrate legitimate concerns about suspicious activity or a gambling disorder before restricting or banning a winning bettor. Simply winning consistently would not be grounds for restriction.
Advertising Restrictions: Advertising for sports betting would be limited, prohibiting the promotion of bonuses or instructions on how to place bets. Ads would also be banned between 8 a.m. And 10 p.m., and during live sporting events.

A Growing National Trend

Colorado isn’t alone in re-evaluating its approach to sports betting. At least 15 states already have some form of restrictions on prop betting, signaling a broader concern about the potential risks associated with this type of wagering. The bipartisan support for SB26-131 suggests a growing consensus that greater regulation is needed.

What Does This Mean for Bettors?

If passed, SB26-131 could significantly alter the online sports betting experience in Colorado. Bettors may find fewer betting options available, and face more restrictions on how they deposit and manage their funds. The aim is to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment, but some argue that these measures could stifle innovation and limit consumer choice.

FAQ

Q: What exactly is a proposition bet?
A: A proposition bet is a wager on a specific event within a game, such as a player’s performance or an officiating decision.

Q: Will this bill eliminate all sports betting in Colorado?
A: No, the bill focuses on specific restrictions, particularly regarding prop bets and responsible gaming practices. It does not propose a complete ban on sports betting.

Q: Why are credit cards being targeted?
A: Allowing credit card use can encourage bettors to gamble with money they don’t have, potentially leading to debt and financial hardship.

Q: What happens next with SB26-131?
A: As of March 1, 2026, no further action has been taken on the bill, but it is early in the legislative session.

Stay tuned for further updates on SB26-131 and its potential impact on the Colorado sports betting market. Explore our other articles on responsible gaming and the evolving landscape of online wagering for more insights.