I'm not sure how much it matters (to me) much about their finances. If a station is doing really well good for them, it doesn't affect how I see the process works. I agree do we have to know how much X business pays for what we buy? Either we agree to the price or don't buy it there.
There is a difference however in that in the example of X business they have competition for the same product, the locals do not.
I don't think the public should be charged by the local to watch a signal that should be provided for free, or are providing for free to some and not to others. (By not having a strong enough signal) Charge the provider a convenience fee to pass along to subscribers who could get the signal OTA but choose not to, but no charge to those who without Satellite/cable would not be watching.