Local channels not local

Hello Tom. We notice the relevancy of the local content for our customers that improves the viewing experience. We're here to help look into your access to MA local channels, but we would like more details. We'll send you a private message to get a better view of this. Christian, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Hello Tom. We value you are taking the time to share these suggestions and feedback to continue enhancing DIRECTV STREAM's Cloud DVR navigation. We're sharing these recommendations with our team about having an indicator for shows being recorded and an option to get straight to the "All Recordings" option. DIRECTV continues working to deliver a viewing experience that is second to none. Christian, DIRECTV Community Specialist

What is your ZIP code? This will tell what local channels you will actually be receiving when you sign up.

That is likely, our zip is 02771. Based on proximity, we are closer to RI, but we are actually in MA.  The cable company we are wanting to leave was wise enough to provide local channels and sports from both (I.e. we have two ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and sports). 

It seems DirecTV is picking one set of local stations based on proximity. I am in MA and not interested in RI stations.

Network

Affiliate

NBC

WJAR

ABC

WLNE

FOX

WNAC

CBS

WPRI

PBS

WSBE

Regional Sports Networks

Network

Affiliate

Teams

NBC Sports Boston

NBC Sports Boston

Celtics

NESN

NESN

Red SoxBruins

NESN+

NESN+

Red SoxBruins

Exactly, the channels we are provided are from RI and not from our home state of MA.

We also considered ‘upgrading’ to the Choice package for other reasons but were shocked to see that by ‘upgrading’, we would actually be losing some channels.

The FCC determines what local stations DirecTV delivers based on your DMA (Designated Market Area). 

@TomBenoit, I think you are in Bristol County, MA based on your zip code (not going to give away your exact location).  Bristol County MA is in the Providence RI DMA, so Providence is considered the "local" market for your location and the local channels DirecTV will give you is based on the DMA your home county sits in.  I am in a very similar situation. I live in DMA "A", even though City "B" is closer to my house.  I receive the local channels from City "A" since my county is in their DMA.

Should also note that DirecTV used to give us a couple of local channels from City "B" until a year or two ago, when they stopped that practice (due to broadcaster complaints).  Now Directv will only strictly give you the local channels for your DMA.  A lot of cable companies have also been dropping local channels from "neighboring" DMA's (in your case Providence is primary and Boston is "neighboring").  I understand that the cable company serving my area has begun to do that.

Sadly, it may only be a matter of time before your cable company starts dropping the Boston Channels like 4,5,38, etc.

(edited as this is DIRECTV STREAM)

Verify what locals you should be getting: https://streamtv.directv.com/channels/

DirecTV and DIRECTV STREAM, like other TV providers have no say in what locals you get. That is based on your Designated Market Area (DMA).

Cable and satellite can have different locals as one is based on the broadcast center location and the other is spot beamed. Streaming may have a similar quirk.