ah, but you are missing out on the joys of "Being in control"! Eating dinner at Applebee's or Outback... or Ruby Tuesday and don't like what's on? Simply glance at the make of the TV, tap a few buttons, and PRESTO!
To see the look of astonishment on my wife's face when while we were at Applebee's, I changed the football (I hate football) game to the SciFi channel!

(not to mention the rest of the patrons

)