Today Locast announced that they are expanding free TV into the Seattle-Tacoma area. Locast is a live TV streaming service that launched back in January 2018 in New York City to offer access to 15 stations including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Recently, Locast has been rolling out to new markets including South Dakota. With Locast, you can stream ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC among others for free in Denver, Atlanta, Phoenix, Washington DC., San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, New York, and South Dakota.
“Seattle residents understand the importance of local weather and emergency broadcast information,” said David Goodfriend, founder of Locast. “Seattle also is a tech-savvy community that appreciates how online and wireless platforms can enhance the availability of critical weather and safety information provided by traditional local broadcasters in the public interest.”
“November tends to be the rainiest month of the year in Seattle, so local weather reports mean more to commuters, families, and business travelers right now. Here’s a forecast for our friends in Seattle: expect more rain, but better access to your local news, weather, and other critical information on Locast,” said Goodfriend.
Back in July ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC sued to shutdown Locast saying it did not have the rights to stream local OTA TV. Locast sent Cord Cutters News the following statement about the lawsuit. “Locast is an independent, non-profit organization that provides a public service retransmitting free over-the-air broadcasts. Its activities are expressly permitted under the Copyright Act. The fact that no broadcasters have previously filed suit for more than a year and a half suggests that they recognize this. We look forward to defending the claims—and the public’s right to receive transmissions broadcast over the airwaves—in the litigation.”
Locast did add that they plan to be in 20 markets by the end of 2020 but funding could be an issue. “In 2019, we hope to launch Locast.org in many other top-20 markets,” said Goodfriend. “However, our biggest obstacle is funding. This is why we’re asking users to contribute just five dollars per month.” Goodfriend added. “If everyone gave just five dollars each month, Locast would be fully sustainable and could eventually reach all 210 markets.”
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