Inflation has been a hot topic for years. Whether eggs at the grocery store, construction materials for a renovation or subscription prices for streaming services, Americans are having trouble finding relief from an onslaught of cost increases.
When the cord-cutters started canceling their cable providers years ago, there weren’t as many options as today. The irony of the current content era is that many people have subscriptions to multiple streaming services, in addition to high-speed internet, and are paying the same as cable subscribers.
So, where’s the relief? Well, there are more options for free television now than ever. You have to know where to look.
The services that have emerged as the major players in the streaming wars — Netflix, Hulu, Max, Paramount Plus, etc. — have all been increasing in price. Top-tier, ad-free subscription rates are nearing $20 a month. Unlimited programming options are available free to anyone with an internet connection and some low-cost hardware.
A handful of devices for under $100 require a one-time purchase with no subscription. These devices give viewers access to more than 500 channels and specific apps that you can download and watch free. These channels are called FAST channels — free, ad-supported television. It’s free to the viewer because revenue is generated from advertisements.
The leader that has emerged as dominant is YouTube. From its humble beginnings of being primarily viewed on desktop computers in dorm rooms, YouTube is now conveniently accessed from almost any device, including big-screen TVs. More people stream free content on YouTube than anywhere else. If you group YouTube with the Roku Channel, Tubi and Pluto TV, they account for 17 percent of all television viewing. By comparison, cable accounts for 23 percent.
Televisions are being manufactured with the built-in capability to access apps and free channels. Samsung TV Plus is a FAST service that is built into Samsung televisions. LG has its version called LG Channels, and Vizio TVs come equipped with WatchFree. All offer live TV and on-demand content from hundreds of free channels.
Check which free channel options your TV may include, and weigh your potential to use these services as one factor when choosing your next TV.
It’s natural to think “you get what you pay for” when it comes to something free, especially entertainment. This new landscape is so incredibly competitive that, as with most things, the cream rises to the top. There is legitimately compelling, gripping and sought-after content on these channels.
Niche channels flourish in the FAST world. Because the overhead is so much lower than with a network or cable channel, FAST channels can serve an audience that previously didn’t have a home for their favorite hobby or pastime.
If you’re into John Wayne films, there’s a channel called Cinevault Westerns that gives you your daily dose of The Duke. Where did you learn that new trick shot you showed off at the local pool hall? Chalk it up to Billiard TV. Love dogs, but your landlord doesn’t? Sit, stay and watch Bark TV. Kids driving you up a wall? Let Barney and Friends babysit for a while.
The original method of picking up free TV with an antenna is even experiencing a renaissance. Over-the-air digital channels broadcast to any home with a television and a digital antenna, which can be found for as little as $15.
These antennas unlock dozens of free channels within the designated market area where the viewer lives. Because of the proliferation of these newly available channels, it’s essential to update the TV regularly by scanning or auto-tuning with the antenna to ensure all the over-the-air channels in the area can be seen.
In addition to free access to the local network channels (NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.), viewers with an antenna can watch those networks’ dozens of digital subchannels, which often broadcast programs of local interest but also include niche offerings.
There are 2,000 FAST channels, and over-the-air diginets continue to expand in markets nationwide. While Netflix isn’t looking over its shoulder at the ratings of channel 16.3 in Phoenix, it’s still important that people have that type of option. There is free content everywhere you turn, and almost every interest has at least a channel or two dedicated to it. To find what you’re looking for, you just need to have your antenna up.
