it pays my rent

I reminded myself that he sells documentary advertising time, and that isn't easy when Charlie's Angels is the barometer of America's taste buds. Let him gaffe. It pays my rent.

Context of the above is like this: I was making a film of a dying woman when he called to ask if the woman will be dead by air time and told me to make two versions of the film, one is longer and the other is shorter. He said "if she dies we'll kill the commercial." I felt unhappy to what he said but still reminded myself of the above.

The question is:

1) It pays my rent. Does it mean that I make the film for the sake of money?

2) The story happens in 1970s. Does anybody have an idea why Charlie's Angels is the barometer of America's taste buds?

3) Let him gaffe. why do "I" still say such rude words to him since "I" understand that it isn't easy for him?

Thanks for your help in advance!