Locast, the popular US service that streamed local channels from around the country, has gone offline. Now the app is no longer available, how can you watch local channels in America? Keep reading to find out.
What Happened to Locast?
Locast is a non-profit organization that was available in about 40 cities in the United States. The "non-profit" bit was important. Locast argued that the status meant it could exploit a legal loophole whereby it could stream networks from ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox without paying them.
Needless to say, the networks were not happy and legal proceedings begin in 2019. In early September 2021, they finally concluded after a judge ruled that the loophole was not valid.
The crux of the judge's ruling was based on the fact Locast was still charging users. Free users would get an ad every 15 minutes asking for a donation. Users could remove the ads for $5/month.
In a statement, Locast said it disagreed with the decision:
As a nonprofit, Locast was designed from the very beginning to operate in accordance with the strict letter of the law, but in response to the court’s recent rulings, with which we respectfully disagree, we are hereby suspending operations, effective immediately.
The ruling is now under appeal. In the meantime, the Locast service is suspended.
Here are the best Locast alternatives to watch local TV in the US.
1. Use an OTA Antenna
Most people don't realize the vast amount of free content that is available using a traditional TV over-the-air (OTA) aerial. Not only will you get access to all your local channels, but there is a healthy dose of elite sport, 24-hour news, and entertainment available from the nationwide networks.
If you hook up your antenna to a service like Plex, you can even watch live local channels through your existing streaming boxes.
2. Use Networks' Apps
The big five national networks in the United States— ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, and NBC—all have their own dedicated apps. You can install them on your smart TV, streaming box, or mobile device and get instant access to local channels in your area, as well as the respective national networks.
Most of the apps are ad-supported, but it is a small price to pay.
3. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu's live TV package is already a leading service in the world of cord-cutting and live TV streaming. But many people who have not tried the app do not realize that local TV channels are also available on the app.
The channels are all location-based. That means if you live in New York, you will not be able to tune into local channels from Los Angeles. For most people, however, that is not a big deal. To find out what local channels are available on Hulu in your area, just enter your ZIP code on the Hulu site.
You can sign up for Hulu + Live TV for $65/month.
4. YouTube TV
YouTube TV also offers local channels from the big five nationwide networks. Like Hulu, the local content is region-restricted.
YouTube TV lets you record local shows to watch later, just like the regular channels. That means you can catch up on local sports matches and local news at your own convenience.
YouTube TV plans start at $65/month, thus putting it on a par with Hulu. You need to make your subscription decision based on the availability of other channels you enjoy.
No Locast, No Problem
Locast's demise is a sad story, but as long as you're ready to move ahead with one of these alternatives, you will be watching local TV again in no time—there are plenty of ways to watch local TV without cable.