PHILADELPHIA (AP) Consumer satisfaction with cable and satellite TV providers is at its highest since ratings began.

But according to a widely watched annual customer service survey, the industry ranked second to last among 18. Only airlines flew lower than cable and satellite TV, which tied with newspapers in the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index.

The nation's largest cable operator pulled its lowest rating ever. Comcast, whose service so infuriated a Virginia grandmother she took a hammer to a local Comcast office, tied with struggling Charter Communications for last place.

About 20,000 people were surveyed by phone from January to March.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-20-08 0116CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list