2002 – Discovery HD Theater, one of the first 24-hour high definition network, is launched by the creators of The Discovery Channel. Visit Discovery’s website »

2001 – The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit struck down several FCC regulations that imposed limitations on horizontal ownership by cable operators and vertical relationships with their program suppliers as unconstitutional. In what is called The Time Warner II decision, the DC Court of Appeals states that the FCC failed to show that the vertical and horizontal limitation were a reasonable necessity and were in violation of the First Amendment.

1990 – E! Entertainment launched as the only 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment. Visit E!’s website »

1985 – The Discovery Channel launched on June 17, 1985. The channel would become part of the largest cable network in the US, offering real-world entertainment. Visit Discovery’s website »

1984 – FOX Network's flagship general entertainment network, FX, was launched. Visit FX’s website »

1980 – CNN was launched. The network would become the leading 24-hour news and information cable channel, providing live coverage and analysis of breaking news. Visit CNN’s website »

1969 – Seventy-nine engineers gathered to form the Society of Cable Television Engineers. Ron Cotten, of Concord TV Cable in California, was elected the first SCTE president. Visit SCTE’s website »

1952 – The National Cable Television Association (NCTA) holds it first annual meeting in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on June 9. Visit NCTA’s website »