You can subscribe to many international channels, the superstations, etc. You do not have to take AT60, but if you do not take one of the AT packs they will put a $5/month charge on your account. In theory the cheapest you could go would be one station (like a distant or superstation) and just have that and the $5/month fee for around a $6.50/month bill.
AT60 is the least expensive general American package.