Why would you call FoxNews a grade C operation? I just don't get that impression. Now perhaps FoxNews doesn't have the "whiz-bang" graphics and the multi-million dollar sets of the rapidly fading CNN but that's not what I tune in for.
I haven't watched much television these past 20 years but FNC gives me something to watch. They probably have the best prime-time lineup I've ever seen. The Bill O'Reilly Show is great. So is Hannity. And I've even warmed up to Greta Susteran. It's the best three hours in television. After those three hours, you are fully informed on the issues of the day. It's the next best thing to Free Republic!
My only beef with FoxNews is that they have too much repeated material and not enough fresh material (outside of prime time). But I see that as a short-term problem. Now that they are the top-rated cable news channel, I expect that the money will begin flowing into the FoxNews coffers and they will be able to offer round-the-clock original programming. Hell, the morning crew might even get new chairs!
They are not a first class news collection and reporting organization. They have mostly opinion shows, with Brit Hume being the only one that tries for straight news presentation, with cutie Shep Smith doing a kind of news magazine/MTV presentation of the news.
As you say, they do a lot of repeat shows and recycling ... because they are not a first class news collection, investigation and reporting organization, and thus have limited fare to present.
Read an edition of the L.A. Times if you want to see what I mean about wide ranging and more in depth news. Yes, they are flaming liberals and slanted, but that paper has resources that FOX News doesn't.
That is what I wish FOX would grow into, a real force and a real in-depth source of news.