That will guarantee a certain amount of revenue, the executives said, covering programming costs.

The industry also contends that it is saddled with rising programming costs.

"That means less overall programming costs, and it gives more people a chance to see the exhibition."

While the company enjoyed low programming costs, it found that people watched videos the way they listened to radio, tuning in and out.

A company can also charge as much as 30 cents a month to cover all its additional programming costs.

Ratings were very low in addition to the programming costs.

The increase, according to a company spokesman, reflects higher programming costs and service improvements, including the addition of new networks for most customers.

The decline was a result of a soft first-quarter advertising market, lower ratings and higher programming costs.

The key is how low their programming costs can be.

Still, the key to improving the health of the independents is lowering programming costs.