Perhaps this is area-relevant?
In San Diego we have had C-span on basic cable for years. For us, it is on Channel 21. To get the C-Span2 and C-Span3 we need the advanced cable and our box.
I like to watch the House (basic) & Senate (advanced) live on C-Span, and I go straight to C-Span (basic) for all the presidential debates. That way I don't have to deal with the commentators trying to explain to me what I just saw & heard for myself.