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6 Messages

Monday, September 23rd, 2024 5:24 PM

South Florida’s 9

I do not have access to a free local channel. The channel is WHDT-TV / south Florida’s 9. It is a free channel…should be channel 59 by what this article states. I do not have access, when I should? Article below.

How can I watch WHDT-TV?

WHDT, Channel 9.1, is available for free in Palm Beach County, the entire Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County.

Additionally, you can watch WHDT on Xfinity 438, U-verse 1044, DirecTV 59 and Channel 9 on Dish in our television market.

Accepted Solution

ACE - Expert

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22.6K Messages

3 months ago

You don't have a dish? Then you don't have DirecTV but instead have either DIRECTV STREAM (bring your own device like Netflix, Hulu, etc.) or DirecTV via Internet (billing model similar to traditional DirecTV, they provide equipment).

That solves the situation, unfortunately. That is one of 3 channels in your area that is exclusively on satellite (UMA WAMI 69, ION WPXP 67, Independent WHDT 59). It is not available on either streaming version.

https://www.directv.com/channel-lineup/modal/?tab=rsn# 

Accepted Solution

ACE - Expert

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1.2K Messages

3 months ago

Satellite (and cable) almost always carry more local stations than live streaming services like DirecTV Stream (and Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling, etc). This is largely because satellite and cable operate under FCC rules, and one of those rules is must carry, which basically says those services must carry any local station that asks to be carried and directly provides the needed signal to the service (and doesn’t demand payment from the service).

The FCC determined years ago (based on laws from the 1980s and 1990s) that it didn’t have the authority to regulate streaming services, so the must carry rule doesn’t apply to them.  Cable and satellite providers don’t like must carry - if they had the choice, they wouldn’t carry many of the smaller and independent locals that they do, as it costs them money for little if any return.  Since streaming services aren’t forced to, they don’t - they carry the major network affiliates and some significant independents they think the majority of subscribers insist on (and depending on the fees those stations demand, not all of those).  The industry association for local stations is trying to get this changed, but right now that seems unlikely since it would require new laws from Congress (and the effort is being fought by the networks). 

6 Messages

3 months ago

Please help or if it’s a different channel, could someone let me know? I am in the viewing area so I thought I’d have it… thanks!!

ACE - Expert

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22.6K Messages

3 months ago

What is your zip code/county?

Do you have DirecTV (satellite) or a streaming-only version? If satellite, what are models of your boxes?

Have you tried going to the channel directly by putting in the channel number? (checks to see if maybe hidden by a favorites list)

(edited)

Community Support

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254.6K Messages

3 months ago

Hi, @Elisibeth777. Yes, to further investigate we'll need to know your Zip Code and County. Thanks for sharing your insights, @Juniper. Mark, DIRECTV Community Specialist

6 Messages

3 months ago

@DIRECTVhelp  hi thank you! It’s 34953 and Saint Lucie county florida 

6 Messages

3 months ago

@Juniper thank you! I have tried manually inputting the channel and verbally searching for it. I just got the boxes from AT&T on Saturday, brand new to DIRECTV so unsure of the model unfortunately, it’s small and you can’t see it once it’s plugged into the tv. I don’t have a dish or anything. We have the DIRECTV with fiber from AT&T. 

Community Support

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254.6K Messages

3 months ago

Thanks for the info @Elisibeth777. WHDT Ch59 is exclusive on Satellite only. Visit https://www.directv.com/locals for details. Fatmih, DIRECTV Community Specialist

6 Messages

3 months ago

@Juniper thank you for the help. 

6 Messages

3 months ago

I guess we didn’t realize the difference and switched from comcast because it’s horrible. Hopefully I can find a work around to be able to view my hockey games starting next month. 
Thanks for the help! 

ACE - Sage

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46.2K Messages

3 months ago

Perhaps you can receive that station using an off-air antenna connected to your TV?


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