You could look into a simple antenna for local stations, like we used to get. There are still commercials, but once you buy a relatively inexpensive antenna you can watch for free. Mine looks like a sheet of paper, and it goes indoors - but I just use it on my computer with another gizmo. I'm planning on putting one on the tv in the guest room. don't need to pay for a device to sit up there unused until company comes. We are still happy with our service on the main TV but we are on the introductory two years. After that will regroup and maybe switch providers for their introductory two years.
For Apple TV, once you buy the device, don't you have to buy the programs from iTunes? And netflix has a cost too. Cheaper than cable/satellite, but I guess the only free way is the antenna.