Well, now we have NO local TV--Locast suspends operations

[MissMillie]

We could get the local news, the big 4 networks, and PBS using Locast, but they have suspended operations.

So, these days, if you want to watch TV, you can only watch what you can afford to pay for.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. Please let me know what is your ZIP code, and I will link you to a site where you can see

what is available over the air.

I have been watching digital over-the-air TV since June 2008.

[DBoon]

3. This article has more info

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/09/locasts-free-tv-service-is-in-peril-as-big-4-networks-win-copyright-ruling/

Update, 9/2/2021: Locast said it is shutting down its TV service, at least for now, in response to its loss in court. "We are suspending operations, effective immediately," Locast said in a message on its homepage. "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."

Original Story, 9/1/2021: The major broadcast networks have won a big copyright ruling against Locast, a nonprofit organization that provides online access to broadcast TV stations. Although it's a partial summary judgment, the ruling by a federal judge rejects Locast's primary defense against claims of copyright infringement.

Locast was sued by ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in July 2019. The companies alleged that Locast "must have a license to retransmit copyrighted television programming" even though the TV channels are available over the air for free. The lawsuit argued that Locast must "secure the consent of the broadcasters to retransmit the broadcast signals" in the same manner as cable, satellite, and online video services. Locast fought the lawsuit, saying it qualified for a copyright-law exemption available to nonprofits.

US District Judge Louis Stanton yesterday granted the networks' motion to dismiss Locast's affirmative defense that its service is exempt from liability under the US copyright law. The law enacted in 1976 allows secondary transmissions by nonprofit organizations if they receive no "commercial advantage" and do not charge users anything more than what's "necessary to defray the actual and reasonable costs of maintaining and operating the secondary transmission service." Locast cites this exemption as the key to its argument that its service is legal.

[rickford66]

4. You would think advertisers would welcome a wider audience.

[EndlessWire]

5. When I lost my ota antenna ability

I just started binge watching YouTube murder mysteries. There are so many, plus podcasts with announcers that tell you what happened and discuss it. I was watching reruns, anyway...I miss some of the brighter shows, in particular Young Sheldon, but what the heck...I can pause the Youtube movies and get back to it. Eventually, I'll fix my antenna problem and get back to watching free reruns. There are free science fiction movies on YouTube, also, so you can watch those.

[LeftInTX]

6. I was afraid Locast would get yanked...

From the beginning, the legality of Locast was questionable....

A similar service was yanked about 10 years ago