Why is cable TV necessary?

For people who want more TV than the regular stations provide, cable TV is available in many parts of the country. To receive cable TV, one must pay a monthly subscription fee. Wires and a special tuner are attached to the TV set to enable the subscriber to receive the cable broad-casts. Cable stations tend to specialize in one type of program. There are stations for sports, movies, music videos, business, health, and the arts. Unlike commercial stations, programs on cable TV are not usually interrupted for commercials.
   Many people have criticized television programming. They complain that it does not challenge, the intellect, shows too much violence, and appeals to the least educated of viewers in order to get the largest audience. To a great extent, these criticisms are correct.  But there are also many excellent TV programs available for people who are selective for viewing.
   Television has become the main source of information and entertainment for the average American. It is estimated that by the time a child reaches 18, he or she has spent almost twice as much time watching TV as in the classroom. Many people are concerned about TV’s influence.
   News is edited and condensed to fit into two or three minutes per event. Unrealistic family and social situations are portrayed, with all problems easily solved within a half hour, giving the young a distorted view of life. How has TV affected the young people who grew up watching it? Unquestionably, children learn a lot from TV shows, but not all of it is appropriate or positive.
   Moreover, many educators believe that American students read and write less well than students of earlier generations because so much of their knowledge has come to them via TV and film rather than the printed word.