You can always try using an antenna connected to your TV to still be able to receive free OTA (over-the-air) channels like abc, nbc,cbs, fox, etc.
If you want completely free live tv of local programming, the antenna option is probably the best route. (Many times even the old rabbit ears will work.)
I live in a bit of a canyon, so an antenna doesn't work very well. So what can I expect with Roku (and no cable subscription) if there's a football game that is broadcast on CBS, NBC, FOX, or NBC? Is it available on delay with Roku? 1, 2, 3 hours later?
WestBeachSide You seem to not be understanding. To watch LIVE sports on ANY major network you need to pay. Networks will not broadcast things for free such as sports. That’s not how it works. If you want to watch live sports you will need to pay for a subscription. There isn’t even anything for free with a 2 to 3 hour delay. Even if you want to watch anything on live TV on major networks you will need to pay. Such as your local news. Sports, etc. Did somebody tell you that if you bought a Roku you can watch everything for free? Fox News is free but you will need a tv provider for certain content. Exactly what are you trying to watch that you would like to watch for free?
For some reason, I was under the impression that local CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX affiliate channels might be free with a Roku device.
The problem is that the local channel affiliates charge a "retransmission fee" whenever someone broadcasts their channel/content. The only way to avoid the retransmission fee is through the use an antenna. Reports online are that retransmission fees are in the billions, so these affiliates have no interest in allowing streaming services to provide for free. (https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/chart/sotnm-local-tv-u-s-local-tv-station-retransmission-fee-revenue/)
There was a streaming service called Locast that was around for a bit that was providing everyone streaming access to their local stations for free but was sued by the affiliates and shut down. Whether or not this service was truly altruistic in their model to provide access to those that could not receive locals via antenna, who knows. It was a great service though.
It is unfortunate that an antenna apparently won't work for you.
