When television was limited to a handful of channels it only made sense for networks and television companies to offer only the most universal programming. Why offer something that would only appeal to 10 % of a potential audience when it was possible to appeal to over 70% with some other programming. By offering shows that everyone could enjoy the television companies were able to keep customers happy even without having a huge selection. As the capacity for television channels has increased, however, the trend has been to offer more shows and entire channels that are dedicated to a specific interest. Consider channels like Discovery Health, HGTV, the Golf Channel and The Military Channel, for instance. Each of these channels has a specific group of people that have enough interest in the subject to want to watch multiple shows about it. Now, people who love golf can spend entire days watching shows about it, while people who love home improvement can stick with HGTV and other similar channels.

The trend toward specialization extends to other types of programming as well. Just look at Dish Network's channel listings. You will find hundreds of channels dedicated to foreign language programming, a wide assortment of interactive television listings, and plenty of specialized sports channels. Each of these channels is meant to appeal to a limited group of people with special interests. Because Dish Network offers over 500 channels, it is now possible to offer such specialized programming.

Foreign language programming is a great example of how new technologies let television viewers have more choices. Years ago nobody would have even considered offering channels dedicated to languages like Farsi, Greek, and Polish. Now it is possible to choose from dozens of foreign languages packages and a wide variety of individual channels. Spanish speaking people have the most choices with four packages designed especially for the Spanish speaking family. However, options also exist in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and many other languages. This makes it possible for people who speak more than one language or who are still shaky in English to get news and information from other areas of the world.

Interactive television options are another great example of specialized programming. Some interactive options, like the news, sports info and weather appeal to pretty much everyone. But others like interactive games and entertainment appeal to a specific segment of the population who loves things like online games or Karoake. Because Dish Network offers an assorted variety of game playing channels and other entertainment, subscribers can get the type of entertainment that best suits them.

Sports have mass appeal, but some people are much more excited about sports than others. That is why Dish Network offers special sports subscriptions that are meant to appeal to those who are extreme fans of a particular sport. Once again, the technology that allows for more channels lets those who have a specific interest indulge themselves. For example, a baseball fan can get the entire season of both the major league and college level teams and be able to watch every game that is played. Same goes for soccer, ice hockey, college football, and basketball. Someone who loves every game might purchase most of the subscriptions while a soccer fan might just purchase one.



Overall, the idea that more is better definitely applies when it comes to television programming. Having more channels lets everyone get the programming that is most appealing and keeps people from having to watch unappealing programming just because nothing better is on.