Today the networks' share of prime-time viewing is only about 60 percent or so, with no one network having more than about 20 percent. At the same time, the share of prime-time programming provided by the eight largest Hollywood studios has soared from 39 percent in 1970 to over 70 percent today. Thus, while the FCC may have thought it was protecting David against Goliath when it sided with the studios against the networks, just the opposite turned out to be the case. Another major beneficiary of the Fin-Syn restrictions is the large independent producers. Because the rules make it hard for new producers to enter the market, existing producers face less competition and hence enjoy greater profits and power.
Today there are nine.
Many small producers are employed by big studios. It comes as no surprise that this handful of remaining producers support Fin-Syn, for the FCC rule keeps potential upstart competitors out of the market. Thus, cable networks can purchase and own programs and movies, and afford to pay more for a new program because their ability to recoup their investment and eventually make a profit is not restricted. This means they can obtain the programs while the three broadcast networks have their hands tied. The ultimate victim of the Fin-Syn restrictions is the viewing public.