@UHM
I guess things go in cycles. Like you said, a big glut of crapola must precede an new trend of quality.
This may be simplistic but I blame a lot on this on Rupert Murdoch. Everything he touches...he destroys!
BEFORE MURDOCH:
MTV & VH1 were all about music!
TLC & Discovery were genuinely educational.
History was about history (even if it was heavy on the Hitler).
BET was more than Rap, it had R&B, Jazz, Blues, Oldies, Black History & intelligent programs covering legit concerns, issues, trends & activism in the Black Community. Even the Rap was varied...Old Skool, Political, Stupid Booty/Bling, fun MC Hammer/Will Smith stuff, etc.
AFTER MURDOCH:
MTV & VH1 - UnReality shows! VH1 may occasionally do something music-related but it's now Reality Shows!
Discovery & History - More Reality shows! Redneck/Hick Reality shows! Ancient Astronauts! Doomsday stuff! Nostradamus! Blair Witch-style faux-documentaries that the producers promote in a way that makes sure folks think it's real (the "Mermaid" show, for example). Very little normal science & history.
TLC - Reality Shows!
BET - Booty shaker/oogah boogah/bling bling/bitches & hoes/"lookit how stupid, shallow, primitive, violent & goofy we niggas is! *unh uhn uhn*". MLK Jr. spins in his grave!
I confess, I don't mind stuff like paranormal/ghost hunting shows (I love Ghost Adventures) and some reality shows such as Pawn Stars & that one with the guys going cross-country finding neat old collectables & artifacts from junk collectors & yard sales. I don't mind the ones that are basically talent shows like Idol, ...Has Talent, Dancing With The Stars (though the later three are on regular networks). However, the content of a show should match the premise of the cable station.