When I downgraded my DirecTV subscription last year, I lost access to the BBC news stream. Then, around September, it magically returned for viewing.

Frankly, I should just bag the entire subscription. There's precious little on there that's worthwhile anymore. As Sarge mentioned, US television news is largely built for entertainment (most even refer to their programs as "shows"). It's pathetic. Even NPR/PBS has degraded over the last few years, although there are still a few stalwarts amongst their ranks.

What's most pathetic is the way the networks fold in the face of threats from the Orangutan. The anything-for-a-buck/self-preservation mentality of the execs is nearly unbelievable.

Bagging the DTV sub would save me $1500/year, money I could piss away on other less-than-worthwhile projects, lol. It might help with my sanity, however.