Variety is cable TV's source of life: Atlantic Show panel emphasizes need to offer alternative programming.(Atlantic Cable Show)(Brief Article)

Atlantic Show panel emphasizes need to offer alternative programing

Cable TV soon may face a turning point that determines whether it will be the primary choice of TV viewers for the next generation of programing services.

Cable companies will have to provide a new generation of programing, or someone else--most likely telephone companies--will, said cable experts during the opening general session of the Atlantic Cable Show in Atlantic City last week.

"Cable will face more competitive alternatives in terms of new programing packaging than it ever faced before," said Tom Rogers, president, NBC Cable. "The question is: Will cable be able to distinguish …