Technology is making finding cable alternatives easier which is making cable companies nervous. So much so that they likely spent a lot of money to create and circulate a series of web ads featuring seemingly stupid people in completely implausible situations with the goal of scaring current or potential cord-cutters into maintaining their service.
The first scenario shows someone getting attacked by a mutant bunny because without cable he didn’t see the news that they were on the loose. Sorry cable operators but not only are evil mutant bunnies not a real thing (that we know of) but you can still get all the local news you can handle FOR FREE via Over-The-Air TV.
Needless to say, folks on Twitter were not impressed:
#holesaga ad reminded me that life without cable leaves a mighty big hole that I fill with all the cash I am saving. http://t.co/pfBxM56Xpe
— Timmybadshoes (@timmybadshoes) December 9, 2013
The only thing more insulting than my last cable TV bill? This site from the Natl Cable TV Assoc. Wow! http://t.co/3ZTzhQsWtW #CutTheCable
— PumpkinSpiceBraaiins (@SrslyGeek) December 9, 2013
GIVE YER FACES TO CABLE! Blergle blerg! http://t.co/ByhxzL080Q Worst, most over-the-top bad job at convincing anyone of anything.
— 820 Points (@Musicin820pt) December 4, 2013
Nice try cable companies, but people will stop finding cable alternatives around the same time the mutant bunny apocalypse happens.
UPDATE: The NCTA has decided to axe this campaign due to the uproar: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2013/12/11/cable-industrys-sad-attack-on-cord-cutting-to-meet-a-merciful-end/