said by DaveO:I don't think this is true. DirecTV and Dish Network have zero analog stations, so I don't know why cable would be required to have them when direct broadcast satellite isn't.
Cable normally has franchise agreements with local municipalities which require certain things to be carried. One of those is usually a certain level of analog service. If they can negotiate their way out of those terms then they certainly would not have to keep analog on the system. But, you can bet that the local political heat would be turned up if suddenly the cable company came in and said they'd be raising the fees for a $17 basic tier by $5-$10 a month per TV.
Satellite doesn't need franchise agreements since it does not use any local public resource (right of way, etc.).
