I'd like to be able access programing that many networks in the US graciously and willingly provide for free. I understand that the way to do this is with a remote ISP. Any suggestions on a good one?

I think your confused. What you need is a VPN not a remote ISP, A VPN allows you to surf the web through their servers thus appearing as if your in the US.

The company I use is StrongVPN, just rember that some company's in the states will require a US credit card as well as a US IP address to access their services.

See
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=102023