Missing Local Channels

Did you check what local channels you would get with Directv Stream before you ordered the service? 

https://www.directv.com/stream/channel-lineup/

It's true that DirecTV Stream doesn't offer as many local stations as DirecTV Satellite. Perhaps you can get those stations with an off-air antenna?

I am not complaining.  I love my DirecTV Stream.  I am just surprised that the streaming service does not have the same local channels as the satellite service.  I did not move. Therefore, I just assumed that the locals would be the same.  At the time I switched, the big topic was I would lose Sunday Ticket and Red Zone.  However, I was able to take care of that by increasing my Hulu subscription.  So, my football season was the same as it ever was.  As for using an antenna to get the local stations, sure I could do that.  But, that defeats the whole purpose of having the DVR through Stream.

TV providers do not all have the exact same channels. So anytime you consider switching, always look into the specific channels, don't assume.

As DIRECTV STREAM is one of the newest out there, it can probably only get an agreement with so many channels. If it continues to do well it may have more down the road.

As a back, use a regular over-the-air (OTA) antenna to get the free broadcast. Also these provdiers tend to not have any sub-channels so you might get even more as long as they are within range.

Seeing as I switched from DirecTV to DirecTV didn't really consider that they're different providers.  I could understand moving from Xfinity or Dish.  But, that isn't what I did.  

Totally separate carriage contracts.

@cperkins66 

Seeing as I switched from DirecTV to DirecTV

No, you switched from DirecTV to DIRECTV STREAM. Different carriage agreements. Doesn't matter they share a parent owner, they are two separate TV providers.

I do wish they had chosen a more unique name to avoid this confusion.

Is there some way to find out what their future plans might be when it comes to carriage agreements?  A suggestion box, if you will?  

I checked to see if Directv had my local channels available and the channels lookup said I would get those local channels.  Well, nope, cannot get a couple of the local channels the lookup said I would.  Not too happy and I will cancel my subscription.

I understand that.  What I don't appreciate is the advertising tells me I can get those channels but they don't deliver.  They should update their channel line-up with at least an explanation as to why those local channels will not be available.  It's a bit of misleading advertising.

@LOBO42 They probably don't update the local channel list due to a contract dispute because those disputes are traditionally worked out pretty quickly.  This one (like some with Nexstar in the past) hasn't been - my guess is because Nexstar is now the largest station owner in the country, they feel they have enough leverage to get their demanded increase in carriage fees without making a serious effort to compromise (especially since subscribers almost always put the blame on the carriers, not the station owners).  As noted, DTV does put dispute info on their "TVPromise" website.

BTW - as far as cancelling and going to a different carrier, you can certainly do that.  But be aware that DTV is not the only carrier that Nexstar has done this to, and it won't be the last.  In my opinion, the only thing that will stop (or at least moderate) the skyrocketing fees that the station owners like Nexstar demand is Congress restricting restransmission fees for licensed OTA stations (that are free to get OTA).  Congress created the problem in 1992.  Initially it wasn't much of a concern, but in the mid-2000s station owners started greatly increasing the carriage fees they charged.  These fees are now a major burden on the carriers (which they pass on to subscribers, raising rates significantly) and a major cash cow for the station owners, for whom it makes up an ever increasing part of their revenues (as an addition to ad revenue).

@LOBO42 

Channel lineup probably has a suspense date to be updated when there is a carriage negotiation. Most of the time it is resolved without us customers being aware the agreement was up.

Though in recent years it is becoming more common for local channel affiliate stations to pull the feed, they are usually resolved in a matter of days/weeks so I would expect the list doesn't get updated in those cases. The exception is Nexstar owned stations as they have been off for a good while now as they are at an impasse. Those shouldn't be listed as Nexstar shows no signs of giving up on their demand to raise rates.

Using a regular antenna is suggested with any provider as a backup. Protects you against these negotiations and may even pull up other channels in range such as sub-channels that DirecTV doesn't carry.

For current status of carriage disputes that may affect you: https://www.directv.com/tvpromise/