Thats what it takes now to get FNC via DirecTv or DishNetwork for FNC plus (99 channels of crap).
Yes, I agree! We finally have FNC on our "expanded basic"/digital cable system (Cox Communications). I constantly badgered Cox to add FNC to the lineup for years, via phone and e-mail. It was finally added to our system in December 2001.
Relatives of mine have Dish Network with the cheapest "America's 50" package. The only news network is CNN and CNBC (which is more financial news). Another friend only gets MSNBC on her "basic" cable package. FNC MUST get itself on those basic/cheapest cable and satellite packages, but I have no idea how to help them do it.
It is up to your local provider. In Northern Virginia we have it as part of our basic package. Of course it came about as a result of Fox playing hardball. Their local affiliate had Redskins football and refused to air the playoffs (couple of years ago) unless they added Fox news to their programming. Cox Cable lost a lot of customers to DirectTV and caved.
Get enough people to call and complain and you might get it.
For you Fox deprived folks out there, XM Satellite Radio is a way to get Fox and much more ($9.95 a month) at home, in your car or on a boom box. It is high quality audio only (no video). It is coast to coast.
I have had it for a year and a half and it is fabulous.
http://www.xmsatelliteradio.com/