One of the things that hasn't been discussed is that the programmers dictate where in the line up channels will be placed. Since they usually own multiple channels, they make the MSO carry the others to get the one that sells. It is the programmers that keep the prices so high and keep the tiered system in place.
Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. Winston Churchill
This is CABL.com posting #330363. Tiny Link: cabl.co/mbx6B