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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!

David Satin
David covers the biggest news stories, live events, premieres, and informational pieces for The Streamable. Before joining TS, he wrote extensively for Screen Rant and has years of experience writing about the entertainment and streaming industries. He's a Broncos fan, streams on his Toshiba Fire TV, and his favorites include "Andor," "Rings of Power," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
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David Satin

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.

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.

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.

David Satin
David covers the biggest news stories, live events, premieres, and informational pieces for The Streamable. Before joining TS, he wrote extensively for Screen Rant and has years of experience writing about the entertainment and streaming industries. He's a Broncos fan, streams on his Toshiba Fire TV, and his favorites include "Andor," "Rings of Power," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.