(LANSING) - Michigan's shift away from traditional cable television hit a new milestone in 2025, with the number of cable and video subscribers falling below one million for the first time.
A report from the Michigan Public Service Commission, reviewed by Bridge Michigan, shows just 980,543 households maintained cable or video subscriptions last year. That's a drop of about 120,000 subscribers in one year. A decade ago, Michigan had more than two million cable customers.
The decline is being driven largely by streaming adoption, particularly among younger residents. Pew Research data shows 92% of Michiganders ages 30 to 49 use streaming services, compared with 65% of adults over 65.
Experts warn the shift could leave some residents behind. Carrie Leach, an assistant research professor at Wayne State University, told Bridge Michigan that households with limited income or unreliable internet access risk losing dependable access to local news, emergency alerts and public information as cable disappears.
Cost is also accelerating cord-cutting. Cable and satellite bundles averaged $188 per month in 2025, up nearly $10 from the previous year. Combined streaming subscriptions and internet service averaged $153 per month, narrowing the price gap and making streaming a more attractive option.
The Public Service Commission noted that while streaming offers flexibility and choice, traditional television remains a critical information source for communities without reliable broadband -- raising concerns about a growing information divide as cable access continues to shrink.