Locast, a local broadcast streaming service, is now delivering 45 local channels to the 2.5 million residents that make up the Columbus TV market.
Designated as a nonprofit TV digital translator, Locast has broadened its services to the Columbus area. According to a press release, Columbus and nearby cities such as Bucyrus, Chillicothe, Marion, Mount Vernon and Washington Court House are part of the company’s 34th market.
Founded in 2018 by David Goodfriend, a Washington D.C.-based attorney, the company has stood on a mission to ensure the widespread availability of local TV channels via the Internet.
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Now, Locast has more than 2.8 million registered users nationwide in 34 markets, having reached more than half of the U.S. population.
With over-the-air broadcast reception often spotty, Locast spokesman Marc Lumpkin said Columbus residents can use the platform to watch their local TV channels on various at-home devices.
“Unfortunately, sometimes people can’t access their local TV over the air because of trees, hills or buildings, and by offering Internet TV, they can watch local TV on their phone, computer or streaming device,” he said. “So, we’re very excited to bring Locast to Columbus.”
The streaming service is accessible to viewers in 20 counties in Columbus’ designated market area, a list that includes Coshocton, Crawford, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Guernsey, Hardin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross and Union counties.
The service’s 45 TV channels include WCMH NBC 4, WSYX ABC 6, WBNS CBS 10, WTTE FOX 28, PBS, PBS Kids, as well as DABL, Telemundo, Antenna, CourtTV, Movies, MeTV, TrueCrime, CW, Circle, BOUNCE, Quest, LAFF, COMET, HSN, GRIT, Charge! and others.
Locast asks viewers to donate as little as $5 per month to help cover operating costs. The donation is voluntary and not required.
The company also offers the Locast Cares Program, which allows users who are unable to donate financially to watch their local TV channels without receiving donation requests.
The program is open to the first 25,000 applicants and available for one year. Students, first responders and low-income households, among others, can apply for the program at https://www.locast.org/login.
How to watch
Locast is available for streaming at locast.org, app stores, TiVo, streaming device providers Google Play, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon and Roku, as well as DISH Hopper/Wally receivers or select DIRECTV receivers.
Locast also offers Spanish-language access to the Locast app’s user interface, log-in screens and program guide.
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