I just read today about the Dodgers' TV woes. TWC paid $8 billion but directly control only about 20% of the LA market, requiring them to get other providers to pay carriage fees. They've demanded $4 per month per subscriber, and the likes of DirecTV have told them to stick it where the sun don't shine. Result: 80% of LA has not been able to see the Dodgers on TV this season. Good job Dodgers and TWC!
I strongly believe it's only a matter of time before cable goes to a la carte. It's the best system for matching demand to supply. Some channels are going to go under, but if you have a suspect product, then you should expect the consequences of a free market, instead of being propped up by an unfair and uncompetitive pricing model.