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Is Locast really free?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Updated on June 23, 2026

Locast is a nonprofit organization created in 2018 that redistributes terrestrial over-the-air TV broadcasts online. The service is free, though the group's website is set up to take donations. At the moment, Locast only operates in the U.S., and only in 17 select cities.

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Likewise, do you have to pay for Locast?

Technically, Locast doesn't charge a fee — it asks for contributions of at least $5 per month. You do have the choice of not paying that “contribution” — but if you don't, you'll find Locast's broadcasts practically unwatchable.

Beside above, is Locast legitimate? And unlike legitimate booster and translator stations, Locast does not have the permission of the broadcast stations it retransmits, in New York or anywhere else." The plaintiffs insist that Locast is operating for commercial benefit and devaluing their retransmission consent rights.

Keeping this in view, how can I watch Locast?

Just click the show you want to watch, register for a new account (or sign in with Facebook), and you're ready to start streaming. You can also watch Locast on your phone with its iOS and Android apps. As for TV support, Locast is currently available on Roku streaming players and smart TVs.

Is Locast free on Roku?

The best new thing of note is Roku has recently released The Roku Channel,which has hundreds of free movies.It is ad supported. And now Locast.org app gives you free local broadcast stations CBS,NBC,FOX,ABC and PBS.

Related Question Answers

Is there an app to watch local TV?

The US TV & Radio Free app for Android lets you watch and even record live TV channels -- local and cable alike.

How can I watch local channels for free?

4 Ways to Get Local Channels Without Cable
  1. Get an HD Antenna. Using an HD antenna takes a bit of money and a bit of knowledge as well.
  2. Watch Local Channels Online. You may be able to watch your local channels online from your computer if you have Internet access.
  3. Get Sling TV.
  4. Download a Mobile App.

How do I cancel Locast?

Once logged in go to My PayPal > Settings Cog > Payments > Manage Automatic Payments. Click on the Sports Fans Coalition NY Inc entry on the left hand side and click Cancel under the Status section. Should you wish to subscribe in the future, please visit www.locast.org/donate.

What cities is Locast available in?

The Locast service is currently available in 13 cities, representing nearly one-third of all U.S. TV homes: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, Houston, Boston, Denver, Baltimore, and Rapid City and Sioux Falls, S.D.

Which streaming service has ABC NBC and CBS?

Hulu. Hulu's live TV service features approximately 60 channels of news, sports, and entertainment programming. News channels include ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, CNN International, Fox Business, Fox News, and MSNBC.

Is Locast legal?

On July 31, 2019, The Walt Disney Company, CBS Corporation, NBCUniversal and Fox Corporation – the respective parent companies of ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox – filed a lawsuit against Locast in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking a permanent injunction to shut down Locast.

How can I stream live TV?

There's no subscription fee — at least in theory. You simply set up an HD antenna in your home, plug it into a streaming box and let that box broadcast the signal anywhere you want, in real time. (Some devices can plug directly into your TV; others require you to use an app on a streaming device.)

Can I use Locast with a VPN?

VPN and Locast: As mentioned above, Locast is geo-restricted. This means, if you are outside the US, you will not be able to access it. However, through the use of a VPN, you won't have to worry about missing your favorite shows or broadcast.

What's wrong with Locast?

Locast, a little-known nonprofit behind a free streaming service, sued ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox on Friday, alleging that the television networks colluded in an effort to chill its business. Locast streams network shows and sports programs through a free app that relays broadcast feeds online.

Do you have to donate to watch Locast?

The on-screen guide for streaming TV company Locast shows programs in the New York market. While anyone within its operational markets can use the service without paying anything, Locast runs as a nonprofit and asks viewers to donate a minimum of $5 a month to help with its operational costs.

Is NBC free on Roku?

NBC Roku App Developed by NBCUniversal and available for Roku, the app gives you free access to the latest episodes and clips from select series such as The Blacklist, LAW & ORDER: SVU, This is Us, and more.

Can you watch NFL on Locast?

Watch the Super Bowl Online for Free on Locast It's a free service that lets you stream local broadcast network channels — including affiliates of NBC, CBS, and Fox, which are showing NFL games all season long — with no upfront cost or monthly fees.

Is Locast still in business?

At the moment, Locast only operates in the U.S., and only in 17 select cities. Locast is operated by Sports Fans Coalition NY, and its founder is David Goodfriend, a lawyer and a former executive at satellite TV provider Dish Network.

How can I get live TV without an antenna?

Here are a few ways to watch and stream local TV.
  1. Install an HD Antenna. One of the simplest ways to watch local channels without cable is to simply purchase an antenna.
  2. Watch online.
  3. Install major networks' apps.
  4. Get Sling TV.
  5. Watch local TV on FuboTV.
  6. Install local TV stations apps.
  7. Watch on YouTube.
  8. Subscribe to YouTube TV.

Does Roku have Locast?

Locast is Now Streaming ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC For Free on Roku Players. Now Locast has quietly added support for Roku Players and Roku TV. Now you can stream your locals in supported markets for free on a Roku with the Locast Roku Channel.