Even without cable, in 1983 NY (like most of the US), we had channels 2-13. We had 4 *networks* including PBS. Not 4 *channels.* There were many independent channels not affiliated with the 3 major networks.

I had just turned 20, and watched The Day After on my little (12-inch) black and white TV with no remote, in the boarding house I lived in. I had a sad life. I saw my first remote in1985. In London.