A system and method for operating includes providing a content for communication through a content distribution system having a broadcast mode and a unicast mode, determining a first number of user devices for receiving a communication of the content, determining a likelihood of consumption of the content by the first number of user devices, determining an available spectrum for communicating the content, determining a spectral efficiency for the unicast mode and the broadcast mode of the communication for each of the first number of user devices, selecting the broadcast mode or the unicast mode or both based on the first number of user devices, the likelihood of consumption of the content, the available spectrum and the spectral efficiency and communicating the content to the first number of user devices using the broadcast mode, the unicast mode or both based on selecting.