Subj : Locast suspends operations
To   : All
From : Nightfox
Date : Thu Sep 02 2021 09:28:52

For the past few months or so, I've been using Locast, which streams local TV channels online.  Locast is (or, was?) a non-profit service, so it could be used for free, but they took donations.  I thought Locast was pretty cool, because I don't have cable TV or any premium TV service, and although I can get local TV over the air, sometimes my over-the-air reception isn't good for some channels.  With Locast, I was able to watch all local TV channels without any reception issues, for cheap.

I guess Locast has been the target of a lawsuit recently.  Locast sent a notification a couple days ago that there was a court ruling that said they couldn't request donations anymore.  I think it may have had something to do with the fact that Locast had a 'free' tier where it would interrupt the stream asking for donations, and people who had donated didn't get interruptions.

https://bit.ly/3DGS6Us
Full article link:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/broadcasters-score-big -legal-win-against-locast-a-popular-app-streaming-network-tv-1235006305/

I feel like this is a bummer.  I'm a bit of a cord cutter (I've never had my own cable or premium TV service), as I feel like I don't watch enough TV to feel like it's worth paying for premium TV, though I like watching local news & game shows etc..

Nightfox
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