Free broadcast TV app Locast launches in Detroit

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/free-broadcast-tv-app-locast-launches-detroit

Locast, a free streaming app for broadcast television, has launched in Detroit and says it now has more than 1.5 million users.

Locast will deliver 66 local TV channels in the Detroit designated market area including ABC 7, NBC 4, CBS 62, FOX 2, PBS and PBS Kids across nine counties: Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne.

With the addition of Detroit, Locast says it operates in 23 U.S. TV markets and serves more than 145 million viewers or 43% of the U.S. population.

“For the first time, more than 4.5 million residents in Michigan will be able to watch their local TV stations on their phones, tablets, laptops or streaming media devices,” said Locast Founder and Chairman David Goodfriend in a statement. “Local TV news is critical for receiving alerts about the 2020 elections, coronavirus safety information as well as staying informed about people in the community voicing their opinions. This makes Locast an important lifeline for Michiganders, especially for those who can’t get local TV channels from an off-air antenna or cannot afford a pay-TV subscription.”

I remember at one point when Locast was being released to other parts of the country Locast was sued because the TV Station owners and Network Owners feared that Locast was going prevent streaming their pay apps from making revenue when streaming was not as widespread as it is today.