It's a money loser in itself, but perhaps it improves the overall product.

One thing I miss, since giving up cable, is instant content. I could turn the TV on and start watching something, before choosing to watch something else.

Now I turn on the TV and I'm immediately faced with the paradox of choice. If the news was just there, playing in the background while I browsed my other options, I would love this. It's something that would differentiate Netflix and keep me paying for their service.