That is one of the problems with a so-called market-based tv system. Conservative critics roast PBS for being a government-influenced medium and unconstitutional, but the fact is people with IQs above turnip level are routinely frustrated by a medium, cable tv, that purports to give them what they want. We are all victims of low information i.e low IQ adults/dullards who think a food-eating contest or a show about two guys trying to cheat people with old items is far more interesting than actual historical interest or visits to far away places. One of the few cable shows with content that actually mostly lives up to its description is the Military Channel.
The best thing one can do is turn off cable and choose your entertainment and not expect to be educated by your tv unless you download content yourself.
True—but of course if PBS weren’t government subsidized, there’d be a much bigger purely commercial market for more culturally oriented TV.