subscription television: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “subscription television” mean?
A television service for which viewers pay a recurring fee.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A television service for which viewers pay a recurring fee.
A broadcasting system, often delivered via cable, satellite, or internet, offering exclusive channels and content in exchange for a regular payment. This contrasts with free-to-air television funded by advertising or license fees.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'subscription television' is commonly shortened to 'pay-TV' or referenced by provider names (e.g., 'Sky'). In the US, 'cable TV' or 'satellite TV' are more frequent generic terms, though 'subscription television' is understood in formal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes premium content, choice, and a cost. It may carry a neutral-to-positive connotation regarding quality, but a negative one regarding expense.
Frequency
The full term 'subscription television' is more frequent in formal writing, marketing, and regulatory contexts than in casual speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “subscription television” in a Sentence
have + subscription televisionsubscribe to + subscription televisionpay for + subscription televisionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subscription television” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to subscribe to a new sports package on their television service.
- Many households are now unsubscribing from traditional television.
American English
- We subscribed to a cable television provider last month.
- Are you planning to unsubscribe from satellite TV?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company's revenue model depends heavily on its subscription television segment.
Academic
The study examined the socio-economic impact of the diffusion of subscription television in the 1990s.
Everyday
We're thinking of getting rid of our subscription television and just using streaming services.
Technical
The multiplex carries signals for both freeview and encrypted subscription television channels.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subscription television”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subscription television”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subscription television”
- Incorrect: 'I have a subscription on television.' Correct: 'I have subscription television.' or 'I am subscribed to a television service.'
- Incorrect: 'subscription TV' (less formal but acceptable) vs. incorrect spelling 'subscription televition'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cable TV is a common type of subscription television, but 'subscription television' is a broader term that also includes satellite TV and some internet-delivered services.
Yes, 'pay-TV' is a very common, slightly less formal synonym, especially in British English.
Traditionally, subscription television referred to linear channel bundles delivered via cable/satellite. Streaming services are a newer form of subscription-based, on-demand television, often delivered over the internet. The line is increasingly blurred.
No, in the UK, the BBC is primarily funded by a mandatory television license fee, not a voluntary subscription. It is a public service broadcaster.
A television service for which viewers pay a recurring fee.
Subscription television is usually formal, technical in register.
Subscription television: in British English it is pronounced /səbˌskrɪpʃən ˈtɛlɪvɪʒən/, and in American English it is pronounced /səbˌskrɪpʃən ˈtɛləvɪʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A la carte TV”
- “The cord-cutting trend”
- “The pay-TV bubble”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SUBSCRIBE' + 'TELEVISION'. You SUBSCRIBE (sign up and pay regularly) to watch TELEVISION.
Conceptual Metaphor
TELEVISION IS A PRODUCT (that you purchase on a recurring basis).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of 'subscription television'?