Viewpoint - Consumer Reports

This page highlights efforts by Consumers Union and others to improve the marketplace

Published: November 2014

Heroes & Watchdogs: Seniors protest too-darn-high cable rates

Cable isn't a luxury, argues Jan Thacher; it's a lifeline. Indeed, as broadband Internet and home phone connections are increasingly bundled into cable packages, the service is more than just a way to watch TV; it's a link to loved ones and to vital health and financial services. With the cost of cable rising at four times the rate of inflation, Thacher and others on fixed incomes fear that they'll have to cut the cord.

For years, Thacher discussed his concerns with his neighbors in Philipstown, N.Y. Last August one of them, Nina Pidala, saw the town supervisor in a supermarket parking lot and learned that the area's Cablevision contract was up for renegotiation. She and Thacher drew up a petition calling for a low, flat rate for seniors and disabled residents on fixed incomes. Just three weeks later, they delivered 500 signatures to the town board's meeting. Most of the people who signed, Thacher says, were frustrated with the cost of cable but felt they had little recourse. Their local government, like many others, grants only one company access to utility poles and lines.

This fall Thacher and Pidala took part in a meeting with town officials and Cablevision reps. "We always welcome feedback, and are pleased to take part in this dialogue with the residents of Philipstown," the company said in a statement.

As the conversation continues, Thacher hopes his community will be heard. "Perhaps they haven't given much thought to the elderly," he says. "We've paid into their system the longest and we've been devoted customers—choice or not."

Know a consumer hero? Fill us in on the advocacy champions you admire most. Write to us at heroeswatchdogs@cr.consumer.org.

Actions you can take in January

Tell congress to protect kids from lilquid nicotine

The popularity of electronic cigarettes has jumped in the last three years, and so has the number of children sickened by liquid nicotine through either ingestion or skin contact. Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, is pushing for a federal mandate that requires childproof packaging for the nicotine. Go to opencongress.org and ask your lawmakers to join the fight.

Stop medical bills from wrecking your credit

You may be holding out for an insurance reimbursement, but unpaid medical debt can be quickly moved to a collection agency, causing a major dent in the most pristine financial records—even after the charge is settled. Turn to page 12 for tips on fixing your credit, then help us pressure Capitol Hill for real reform. Tell us about your medical debt at ConsumersUnion.org/share-your-story.

The win: New rules will make blinds safer

About once per month, a child in the U.S. dies from being strangled with a cord from a window covering. Believing manufacturers should do more, Consumers Union and other groups successfully persuaded the Consumer Product Safety Commission to start developing rules. Learn more at cpsc.gov.