Not only a "cheat"...
...but theft as well.
EVERY "package" of cable channels the industry sells sends money to FAUX Noise as part of the "basic package."
This means that EVERY cable bill paid in America helps support the channel that every (THINKING) American knows is really a Propaganda Channel.
If we lived in Europe, we'd have a CHOICE to pay FAUX or not, based on Ala-Carte channel packages. Not in America, sorry.
Yet another way the Corporatists have us over a barrel.