0:00
There is one type of bundle that cord cutters tell me they would sign up for in a heartbeat
0:05
but the major live TV services, well, they just don't offer it. Not YouTube TV, not Sling TV
0:11
not even Philo. What I'm talking about is a live TV streaming bundle that only includes local
0:17
broadcast TV stations, ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. And this would serve people who can't pick up
0:24
locals with an antenna or just don't want to set one up. Now, we had a service like this in the
0:28
past. It was called Locast, but that service shut down in 2021 after being sued by the big
0:35
four networks. So what are your options now? Well, the answer, it really depends on what you are
0:41
willing to pay. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo include the four
0:48
major broadcast TV networks in most locations. They're priced around 75 bucks a month, and that
0:54
price keeps going up in part because of the big four networks. Follow me here. Nextar Media Group
1:00
pulled roughly 200 local TV stations that it owns from DirecTV and DirecTV Stream back in July
1:07
In this news release, DirecTV said Nextar demanded double the viewer fee. In September
1:12
after a long blackout, the two sides reached a new multi-year deal, and the stations did return to
1:18
customers. But then a few weeks later, this, DirecTV and DirecTV Stream announced price hikes
1:25
that would take effect starting in November, the second price hike in 2023. It's getting more
1:30
expensive to watch these networks as they face challenges with people cutting the cord. This
1:36
chart shows the ratings declines for the broadcast TV networks in 2022. People are watching less news
1:42
and network TV shows, but the big four networks have long-term contracts with the NFL, and that
1:48
is keeping ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC as must-have channels likely for many years to come. Now
1:54
keep in mind, broadcast TV stations have two main ways of making money, from ad revenue and
1:59
retransmission fees. If you're a current or even a former cable TV customer, you know about the
2:05
broadcast TV fee. That's for your local stations, and some of these fees are even higher than what
2:10
I'm showing now, up to 30 bucks a month. With YouTube TV and other live TV services that have
2:16
your local stations, there is no separate broadcast TV fee, but that doesn't mean you're
2:21
not paying for them. You are. It's just rolled into the monthly price. For those who only care
2:26
about their local stations and can't get them with an antenna, there should really be a better
2:31
option besides a $75 a month live TV streaming service, right? So what about Peacock and
2:36
Paramount Plus? Well, those services may help people who only want NBC and CBS. It won't help
2:43
you out with either ABC or Fox. Peacock offers your local NBC station. Paramount Plus offers
2:49
your local CBS station. The 24-7 live feeds, those are only available with more expensive plans
2:55
but some live content, including NFL games, you do get with the cheaper plans. And by the way
3:01
both of these services recently raised prices as well. The way things stand today, your best option
3:07
for local stations is still to hook up an indoor or outdoor antenna. And I really don't see that
3:13
recommendation changing. Premium live TV services like YouTube TV will include local stations
3:19
but you're paying for a bundle that includes about 100 networks, many that you just don't
3:24
watch. Sling TV skinny bundles are cheaper and they may be worth considering, just depends on
3:29
your area. That service offers ABC, NBC, and Fox, but in select markets only. So some cord
3:36
cutters can then supplement Sling TV with Paramount Plus, and that way they get CBS too
3:42
Let me know down below in the comments, would you sign up for a live TV streaming service that
3:46
only included local stations and how much would you pay for it? More ways to save on my website
3:51
michaelsavesdeals.com. Thanks for watching
