Major Multi-Channel Video Providers Lost About 345,000 Subscribers in 2Q 2013

Durham, NH, August 20, 2013--Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the thirteen largest multi-channel video providers in the US -- representing about 94% of the market -- lost about 345,000 net additional video subscribers in 2Q 2013. In 2Q 2012 and in 2Q 2011, the multi-channel video industry lost about 325,000 subscribers.

The top multi-channel video providers account for nearly 94.6 million subscribers -- with the top nine cable companies having about 50.5 million video subscribers, satellite TV companies having over 34 million subscribers, and top telephone companies having over 10 million subscribers.

Other key findings include:

  • The top nine cable companies lost about 555,000 video subscribers in 2Q 2013 -- compared to a loss of about 540,000 subscribers in 2Q 2012
  • The top telephone providers added 373,000 video subscribers in 2Q 2013 -- compared to 275,000 net additions in 2Q 2012
  • Satellite TV providers lost 162,000 subscribers in 2Q 2013 -- compared to a loss of 62,000 in 2Q 2012
    • Although just the third time DBS providers reported net quarterly losses, total DBS net losses in 2Q 2013 were the highest in any quarter since LRG began tracking the industry over a decade ago
  • Over the past year, multi-channel video providers lost about 100,000 subscribers, compared to a gain of about 380,000 over the prior year
    • DirecTV added 107,000 subscribers over the past year -- compared to 481,000 over the prior year
  • "The traditionally weak second quarter proved to be a down quarter for the multi-channel industry, but industry-wide losses were similar to recent second quarters," said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. "The multi-channel video industry has leveled-off, with major providers losing about 0.1% of all subscribers over the past year."
    Multi-channel Video Provider Subscribers at End of 2Q 2013 Net Adds in 2Q 2013 Net Adds in 2Q 2012
    Cable Companies
    Comcast 21,776,000 (159,000) (176,000)
    Time Warner 11,911,000 (189,000) (169,000)
    Charter 4,073,000 (51,000) (72,000)
    Cablevision* 3,171,000 (20,000) 0
    Suddenlink 1,189,900 (22,900) (19,900)
    Mediacom 983,000 (16,000) (22,000)
    Cable ONE 575,762 (12,418) (9,610)
    Other Major Private Cable Companies** 6,810,000 (85,000) (70,000)
    Total Top Cable 50,488,762 (555,318) (538,510)
    Satellite TV Companies (DBS)
    DirecTV 20,021,000 (84,000) (52,000)
    DISH 14,014,000 (78,000) (10,000)
    Total Top DBS 34,035,000 (162,000) (62,000)
    Telephone Companies
    Verizon FiOS 5,035,000 140,000 120,000
    AT&T U-verse 5,001,000 233,000 155,000
    Total Top Telephone Companies 10,036,000 373,000 275,000
    Total Multi-channel Video 94,559,762 (344,318) (325,510)

    Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc. 
    * Cablevision includes estimates for former Bresnan properties sold to Charter on 7/1/2013 
    ** Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Bright House Networks 
    Top cable companies do not include overbuilder WOW with 682,000 subscribers 
    Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions 
    Top multi-channel video providers represent approximately 94% of all subscribers 
    Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households