ya see, we have some channels that are "standard", so to speak. so when you get even the basic connection, those channels come with it. but there is a general fee for them, which also incorporates your everyday radio stations (no satellite radio here yet afaik)
what you would call cable is also included in the standard package nowadays, but you have to rent the connection from your landlord in the area where its distributed via cable, or set up a satellite dish. but in any case you have to pay 13 bucks each month, just if you have a tiny radio alarm clock.
i agree it's a shitty system. i need to look into the option of getting a new terrestrial antenna which doesn't require a connection, maybe that way i can dodge out of the general fee somehow. tv program has gone down the drain anyway