Can I Watch Local Channels on YouTube TV?
Overview of YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including local ones. It is a popular choice for cord-cutters who want to watch their favorite local channels without cutting the cord. But, is YouTube TV’s local channel selection enough? Let’s dive in and find out.
What are Local Channels?
Local channels, also known as traditional or affiliate channels, are TV channels that are licensed to broadcast signals in a specific geographic area. These channels typically offer programming that is tailored to a local audience, such as news, sports, and community events. In the United States, local channels are usually affiliated with major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
YouTube TV’s Local Channel Selection
YouTube TV offers a range of local channels, but it’s not a comprehensive list. According to the YouTube TV website, they offer over 80 local channels, including:
- ABC affiliate channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX
- NBCUniversal channels: NBC, Telemundo, MSNBC, and CNBC
- CBSA affiliate channels: CBS, CPTN, and PGATV
- FOX affiliate channels: FOX, MyNetworkTV, and Local CBS affiliate
Here’s a breakdown of YouTube TV’s local channel selection:
- ABC affiliate channels: 4 local channels
- CBS affiliate channels: 2 local channels
- NBC affiliate channels: 4 local channels
- FOX affiliate channels: 4 local channels
- PBS affiliate channels: 3 local channels
- CBST digital channels: 3 local channels
Which Local Channels are Available?
While YouTube TV offers a decent selection of local channels, it’s not all of them. According to a review by CNET, ESPN, TBS, and TLC are not available on YouTube TV. Here are the local channels that are available on YouTube TV:
- ABC affiliate channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX
- NBCUniversal channels: NBC, Telemundo, MSNBC, and CNBC
- CBSA affiliate channels: CBS, CPTN, and PGATV
- FOX affiliate channels: FOX, MyNetworkTV, and Local CBS affiliate
- PBS affiliate channels: WGBH, WUHP, and WPMT
- CBST digital channels: PBS Kids, Nature, and IFC
Cancellation of Local Channels
While YouTube TV offers a decent selection of local channels, some channels may be cancelled or discontinued at any time. According to the YouTube TV website, channels that are cancelled are typically removed after a certain period of time (usually 6-12 months). Here are some channels that were cancelled by YouTube TV in the past:
- ABC affiliate channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX (on and off)
- NBCUniversal channels: NBC, Telemundo, MSNBC, and CNBC (on and off)
- CBSA affiliate channels: CBS, CPTN, and PGATV (on and off)
- FOX affiliate channels: FOX, MyNetworkTV, and Local CBS affiliate (on and off)
Setting Up Local Channels on YouTube TV
To set up local channels on YouTube TV, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your YouTube TV account
- Navigate to the Live TV tab
- Click on the Add channel button
- Search for the local channel you want to add (e.g. ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.)
- Click on the channel’s name to add it to your list
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you watch local channels on YouTube TV:
- Schedule your TV: To watch local channels at a specific time, schedule your TV to record or stream the channel at that time.
- Use the YouTube TV app: The YouTube TV app allows you to watch local channels on the go, using your mobile device or tablet.
- Use the YouTube TV website: The YouTube TV website allows you to watch local channels online, without needing to download the app.
- Get offline access: YouTube TV allows you to watch local channels offline, using your mobile device or tablet.
Conclusion
While YouTube TV offers a decent selection of local channels, it’s not a comprehensive list. The selection of local channels can vary depending on your location and the channels available in your area. Additionally, some channels may be cancelled or discontinued at any time. However, YouTube TV’s live TV streaming service offers a wide range of options for watching local channels, including cable and satellite channels.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable option for watching local channels, YouTube TV may be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive local channel selection, you may want to consider other streaming services like Hulu with Live TV or Sling TV.