Why is it so hard to get your local channels on DIRECTV Stream (or other services?)

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Cord-cutting has hit a bit of a wall the last year or so. The first problem we’re all aware of is that it’s gotten expensive. Pretty much every provider has raised rates over and over again. The other problem, perhaps the bigger problem, is that you’ll probably lose access to local channels when you cut out traditional pay TV I know, you would cut the cord… if only you could get your local channels through a streaming provider like DIRECTV NOW. You know that you could just put up an antenna and get them, but you want them in the same guide as everything else.

I’m with you, pal. I get where you’re coming from.

The only problem is that if you’re looking for your locals, and you’re not in one of those top 20 largest markets, you probably won’t find the ones you want. If you subscribe to Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+, you’ll probably be able to get some locals. Some. Even in the largest markets, you’ll miss out on local-only channels like Los Angeles’ Channel 5 or New York’s Channel 11. These channels have a big following in their home markets but they don’t always make it onto live TV streaming services

Why? Blame the lawyers, of course.

It’s a tale as old as time.

Live streaming TV services are a fairly new invention, and that’s important to remember when you realize that contracts between broadcasters and pay-TV companies usually run about 3 years and take a few months to hammer out. Three years ago, the live streamers weren’t thinking too much about locals. At least, probably not. These live streaming apps were just beginning to become “a thing” and most contracts were written without any provisions for it.

When pay-TV companies like DIRECTV and DISH sought to start their own streaming services, they reached out first to the largest broadcast companies, and got those contracts rewritten to allow live streaming so they could launch with some local channels. It’s going to take some time for all the thousands of other stations’ contracts to get rewritten, and remember while contracts are being negotiated, it’s all up in the air. A station owner could ask for extra money for streaming rights, or not allow it at all.

What goes around, comes around

If you remember, we went through the same thing a while back with all these mobile and streaming box apps. Because of a quirk of timing, most other providers were able to offer their customers the WatchESPN app long before DIRECTV could, simply because their contract with ABC/Disney wasn’t up for renewal yet.

Typically a broadcast retransmission contract will be two or three years so if you can wait that long, you’ll find a lot more local channels offering streaming content through services like DIRECTV Stream and Sling TV. It’s just going to take a little while. Some channels may never make it, but I’m betting eventually most will. In the meantime, you can put up an antenna as I said. About 90% of folks live in areas where they can get more free local TV with an antenna than they can get from live streaming. And yes, live antenna TV is free.

In fact once you pay for the antenna and the accessories, there’s nothing more to pay. Even if there is eventually a transition to a new form of digital TV, it will only be one more one-time purchase, not much to worry about. The key is getting the right stuff when you start out so you don’t overpay. How do you do that? Call the experts at Solid Signal! We’re here to give you the best antenna advice. Call 888-233-7563. We have antenna experts available during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get right back to you!

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.