Local Channels

Why can't we be switched to another CBS affiliate (Harrisburg Channel 21 - closer to our home or Philadelphia 3 KYW)?

FCC rules prohibit it.

I could care less what affiliate is used, we are being denied a CBS affiliate. For the monthly subscription fee, the least we can expect is network channel access. 

You can thank the FCC and Congress for not allowing TV providers like DirecTV to deliver an out-of-area station when they pull their signal in demand for more $$$. You can get that channel for free with an off-air antenna., so why should TV providers have to keep paying more and more? 

Doesn't help me at all, at least with cable TV you get local stations along with networks.

Direct is in no hurry nor do they concern themselves with satisfying customers.

You can thank the FCC and Congress for now allowing TV providers like DirecTV to deliver an out-of-area station when they pull their signal in demand for more $$$

@litzdog911 I think you meant not allowing.

at least with cable TV you get local stations along with networks

@jamket No you don’t. Cable providers follow the exact same FCC rules as Directv. If you think local channels don’t get pulled from cable providers over contract disputes, you would be wrong.

@jamket 

Local channels lobbied heavily and resulted in TV providers may only provide you locals (affiliate or network owned) that are in your Designated Market Area (DMA). So per FCC regulations, DirecTV is not allowed to provide you any other local you want.

Cable provider follow very similar rules. The only difference is DirecTV is regulated by physical service address as it is spot beamed, but some cable providers their broadcast station (or other company owned entity that services your area) is used as the address for the DMA. That can result in a difference in locals as what is used to determine what DMA you are in is different.

Doesn't matter how much you pay. You are not guaranteed any specific channel (local or otherwise). They are subject to change, this being one of the reasons (carriage negotiations).

https://www.directv.com/legal/directv-residential-customer-agreement/

(d) Our Programming Changes. Many factors affect the availability, cost and quality of programming and may influence the decision to raise prices and the amount of any increase. These include, among others, programming and other costs, consumer demand, market and shareholder expectations, and changing business conditions. Accordingly, we reserve the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add or delete our programming packages, the selections in those packages, our prices, technologies used to deliver the Service, and any other Service we offer, at any time.

Your local WYOU 22 removed their feed to DTV when they could have left it on while they continue talks as a sign of good faith.

Likewise, but don't forget some very good college games over the Fall.  Makes no sense when I actually live closer

to Harrisburg than Scranton, but I'm stuck with Scranton

scheduling.  Got an amazing $10.00 of last payment to Directv for three months missed programming.

Seriously?

@wxwillard 

If you aren’t happy with your subscription no one is stopping you from picking up the phone and calling directv to cancel. The call is only a seconds away.

There are many solutions to your issue. First, you can set up an over-the-air (OTA) antenna and aim it toward your local news stations. Since it appears by your description that you live close to major cities, reception of these channels shouldn’t be too tricky.

Second, you can download each local channel’s individual app on a streaming device and enjoy content there. You may need to use your directv login in order to authenticate the application’s full features.

Third, you can use apps like localBTV which offer local channels in most markets as well. 

Clearly, there are many workarounds to your issue. So, rather than just missing your games, take these into account.