The satellite's signal can reach cable operators serving 80 percent of the nation's subscribers.

An estimated 60 percent of America Online's subscribers are on the service less than five hours a month.

In fact, he said, about 40 percent of the site's current subscribers are returnees.

The cable company could attract the unprecedented number of 15 percent of its 1.6 million subscribers.

"The question is whether 100 percent of our subscribers should have to pay for the interests of a smaller minority," he said by telephone.

More than 45 percent of Cablevision's 2.95 million subscribers now have digital cable, highest in the industry.

The comprehensive policy currently covers about 2 percent of Empire's 8.6 million subscribers.

"The economics are not a hurdle," he said, adding that nearly 40 percent of his new subscribers choose the faster plans.

So far, fewer than 1 percent of the magazine's subscribers have taken the magazine up on its offer.

"More than 90 percent of our current subscribers say they rely on other sources for their box scores," he said.