Simpson had tried and thus far failed to sell his story to pay-per-view cable channels before opting to sit down at his former employer's network.

CNN: Says he wanted conversation, not confrontation

While most people get their broadcast channels as part of a pay-TV package that usually includes cable channels, consumers with newer TVs, or an inexpensive converter for old TVs, can receive over-the-air signals from broadcast stations free in areas with good reception.

WSJ: Over-the-Air TV Catches Second Wind, Aided by Web

Some also feared Apple would undercut their ability to release films through a sequence of "windows"--first at theaters, then DVDs, then pay-per-view, then HBO and other pay channels, and finally on broadcast and basic cable.

FORBES: The iFlop

When he got started U.S. cable had targeted ethnic pay channels--Zee TV for South Asians, MBC for Koreans, and TFC for Filipinos.

FORBES: Showtime

U.S. cable already has various targeted ethnic pay channels--Zee TV for South Asians, MBC for Koreans and TFC for Filipinos.

FORBES: Magazine Article

We believe that the margins are already at very high levels and there will be pressure from pay-TV service providers to stall the growth in the carriage fee for cable channels.

FORBES: Disney's Multi-Platform Distribution Deals Can Lift Margins And Outlook