AFAIK Olathe, Kansas is in the Kansas City DMA that does not have KCMI 38 in it.  Per FCC rules DTV Sat can only give you the local channels in your DMA (Designated Market Area).  The app is tied to your account that includes the local channels you get so you can't get any local channels not in your DMA.

Hi, @spiegela. @shannon02 is right. You can visit https://www.directv.com/support/article/000093639 to learn more. DIRECTV appreciates your understanding. Shirley, DIRECTV Community Specialist

I don't understand, Shannon02 states "  The app is tied to your account that includes the local channels you get so you can't get any local channels not in your DMA." I can access at least 3 different channels that broadcast local new and local information along with local advertising. So why can't I get the local KCMI 38.

Is KCMI 38 in the local DMA that I am in? (Olathe, Kansas is in the Kansas City DMA that does not have KCMI 38)? What DMA is KCMI 38 in? If I could get it OTA, then isn't that a local channel?

This is something I discovered:

KMCI-TV (channel 38) is an independent television station licensed to Lawrence, Kansas, United States, serving the Kansas City metropolitan area. It is owned by the E. W. Scripps Company alongside NBC affiliate KSHB-TV (channel 41).

KMCI is a broadcast station that is not affiliated with any larger broadcast network thus the reason why you're unable to get it through us. You may utilize an over-the-air antenna to get the channel. Shirley, DIRECTV Community Specialist

@spiegela 

If I could get it OTA, then isn't that a local channel?

Not guaranteed for a pay TV provider.

Over-the-air (OTA) is just that. You get whatever you might pick up within range or can get through the terrain in the area.

DirecTV spot-beams local channels. Per FCC regulations you are only authorized what is in your Designated Market Area (DMA). That is determined by your physical service address.

Some other pay TV providers, like cable TV, provide locals based on the DMA their broadcast center is in as opposed to your address.

So think of it as lines drawn on a map. OTA just goes wherever it can reach, not knowing or caring what your address is. Pay TV like DirecTV has your address and provides locals accordingly.

As a note, pay TV is not required to carry every local channel. So some people find that a local that is in their DMA is not carried by their provider in the first place. Mentioning for future reference.