Canceling DIRECTV STREAM Because of Cox Channel Outage? Check Out Your Alternatives Here
Canceling DIRECTV STREAM Because of Cox Channel Outage? Check Out Your Alternatives Here
Cox-owned channels in nine markets are currently blacked out for DIRECTV customers, but you have alternatives for watching your local channels!
A new dispute between DIRECTV and a channel provider might have some viewers frustrated enough to end their affiliation with the satellite provider. That could include DIRECTV STREAM subscribers in nine major media markets across the country who currently missing local channels owned by Cox Media Group and affiliated with ABC, CBS, Fox, MyNetworkTV, and Telemundo, as well as a handful independent networks as well. If the latest blackout of channels on DIRECTV has you looking for a new live TV streaming service, The Streamable is putting its years of expert analysis to good use to recommend the best service for your specific needs.
- Cox-owned channels disappeared from DIRECTV airwaves on Feb. 2 thanks to a dispute over retransmission fees.
- Both sides lay the blame at the other’s feet in the dispute.
- Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV are the three live TV streaming alternatives that offer local channels in a wide range of markets.
Get Your First Month of Fubo for Only $74.99 (normally $95) after your Free Trial.
What Are Your Alternatives for Watching Local Channels if They’re Blacked Out on DIRECTV STREAM?
There are a limited number of nationally available live TV streaming services that carry local channels in a vast majority of markets. This is because the cost of retransmitting the signal of local affiliates is increasingly expensive, and when prices rise for those channels, distributors often face the dilemma of having to pass the cost on to the consumer (and risking losing more subscribers) or providing the channels at a financial loss.
Our top recommendation for replacing DIRECTV STREAM if you value your Cox-owned local channels highly is a subscription to Fubo. It costs a bit more than DIRECTV STREAM, as plans start at $90.98 per month including regional sports network fees, which most customers will have to pay, but it has its benefits. It’s an especially excellent choice for sports lovers, however; in addition to your local broadcast channels, Fubo allows you to watch your local MLB, NBA, or NHL teams on regional sports channels, including Bally Sports networks. Best yet, it has a free trial for all new customers, so you can test out Fubo to make sure it’s right for you before making a financial commitment. However, be forewarned, that the length of the trial varies depending on each individual customer, so make note of how long it lasts when you sign up.
Get Your First Month of Fubo for Only $74.99 (normally $95) after your Free Trial.
Hulu + Live TV doesn’t have a free trial or access to regional sports networks, but the tradeoff is that it’s considerably cheaper than Fubo, with plans starting at $76.99 per month. This service also carries local broadcast networks in most areas, and sports fans who are missing their local RSN will be pleased to know that Hulu + Live TV subscribers also get access to ESPN+, not to mention Disney+ and Hulu, as the Disney Bundle comes packaged with a Hulu + Live TV subscription at no extra cost to the customer.
YouTube TV’s plans start at $72.99 per month, but that relatively inexpensive price comes with tradeoffs. Local channels are available in most markets with a YouTube TV subscription, but the service does not have the variety of RSNs that Fubo boasts, nor does it come with any free streamers bundled with a subscription like Hulu + Live TV. Those who value saving money most of all while watching local channels and cable channels together can opt for YouTube TV, but in The Streamable’s expert opinion, the above options are likely better fits for most people.
Will an Over-the-Air Antenna Help with Channel Blackouts?
Any customer of a live TV streaming service might be best served by simply buying an over-the-air (OTA) antenna instead of shopping around for a new provider every time channel blackouts occur. The number of customers leaving pay TV services and the rising price of retransmission fees means more such blackouts are on the way, no matter which service you subscribe to.
OTA antennas allow viewers to receive every broadcast channel within range, with no monthly subscription fees attached. Pay the one-time cost of acquiring the antenna, and you’ll be well-equipped to ride out any disruptions to your local channels caused by retransmission fee disputes.