IMO, it was ESPN. Over the years, they strong-armed the cable companies into carrying more and more specialized sports channels. And gradually increased prices

IMO, it was ESPN. Over the years, they strong-armed the cable companies into carrying more and more specialized sports channels. And gradually increased prices (boiling the frog). I would see my cable bill go up, and drop a tier. And 3-4 years later be back to paying too much for too little, and would drop another pricing tier. Finally a couple of years ago, I bought a cheap over-the-air HD antenna and cut the cord. No more.