At LocalTvShare, our mission is to empower and support our members by providing access to free over-the-air broadcasting. We aim to offer a viable solution for the cord-cutting community, helping viewers stay connected to local television channels without the need for costly subscriptions. By developing and expanding a network of shared resources, we are committed to making local broadcasting accessible to all.
LocalTvShare brings together a community of members who share their local TV stations, broadcasting them over the air. This pooled network of resources allows users to access local content from different regions, enabling them to stay informed about news, weather, sports, and special events as they happen. By connecting users across the country, we offer a unique viewing experience that provides real-time access to diverse local perspectives.
Our service is tailored for cord-cutters, budget-conscious TV viewers, and tech enthusiasts who seek more control over their viewing options. We cater to those who value local content, wish to bypass geographical restrictions, and are keen on exploring what local stations have to offer without the need for traditional cable subscriptions.
LocalTvShare was born from a simple idea during an unexpected moment. While on a brief vacation in Ocean City, Maryland, during the height of the pandemic, I, along with my wife, experienced firsthand the uncertainty and curiosity that came with wanting to see local news from different parts of the country. I was interviewed by a local TV station, and the experience sparked an idea: how amazing would it be to watch local news from other regions, especially during times of unrest, natural disasters, or significant events?
As the nation grappled with protests, riots, and other impactful occurrences, I found myself wanting to tune into local news stations for a more direct view, rather than relying solely on major national outlets. This curiosity led to the creation of LocalTvShare. Using a Raspberry Pi as a stream server, I began experimenting with streaming local stations, conducting research to ensure compliance with FCC regulations. After seeking legal counsel, my interpretation of the law was validated, and LocalTvShare officially took shape as a non-profit organization.
With each phase of testing, we fine-tuned our setup, working towards creating a seamless, user-friendly platform. Now, as we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to connecting viewers to the heart of local news and content, wherever they are.
LocalTvShare connects viewers with local news from various parts of the country during critical events such as hurricanes, protests, wildfires, and earthquakes. This service enables users to stay informed with firsthand information from trusted local sources. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can watch local games without the frustration of blackout restrictions, and viewers can explore diverse PBS content from different states, each offering unique programming.
As we look to the future, we are excited to expand our reach and offerings. Plans include the development of an Apple app for iPhone and Apple TV, enhancing accessibility for our users. We also aspire to partner with hotels, providing travelers with access to local content during their stays. Additionally, we hope to establish a supportive community where donations can help offset some of the hardware costs our members incur, potentially offering grants to ease these financial burdens. Our vision is to continually evolve and serve the community by providing innovative solutions that bring the richness of local TV to everyone, everywhere.
Yes, LocalTvShare operates within the legal boundaries set by U.S. copyright law. As a nonprofit organization, we adhere to the guidelines specified under §111 of Title 17 of the U.S. Code, which outlines exemptions for certain secondary transmissions. Specifically, LocalTvShare qualifies under section §111(a)(5), which allows nonprofit organizations to retransmit broadcast signals without direct or indirect commercial advantage and without charging recipients, aside from necessary assessments to cover maintenance and operational costs.
LocalTvShare never charges its members and only accepts voluntary donations, which do not provide any special privileges or premium services. Our commitment is to remain fully compliant with all legal requirements, ensuring our community can continue to share and access free over-the-air broadcasting responsibly.
Our mission is to support our members by facilitating the sharing of free over-the-air broadcasting, providing an alternative solution for cord-cutters, and growing a network that makes local TV accessible to all. We strive to connect viewers with local content from different regions, fostering a community that values diverse perspectives in news, sports, and entertainment.
LocalTvShare operates as a community-driven network where members share their local TV stations, allowing other members to access content broadcast over the air. By pooling resources, we provide a unique platform that offers access to local channels across the country without the need for traditional cable or satellite subscriptions.
LocalTvShare is designed for individuals living in the USA or its territories who are interested in accessing and sharing local TV channels. To remain compliant with legal regulations, members must have their shared servers located within the USA or its territories. We welcome anyone passionate about local broadcasting who wants to participate in a community that values shared access to local news, sports, and entertainment.
No, LocalTvShare does not charge its members for access to shared local TV stations. Our platform is entirely donation-based, and all contributions go towards covering the operational costs of maintaining the network. Donations do not provide any special privileges, premium content, or access; they simply help support the ongoing costs of our nonprofit service.
By joining LocalTvShare, you gain access to a diverse range of local TV stations from across the country. This allows you to stay informed about news and events happening in other regions, enjoy local sports games without blackout restrictions, and explore unique programming from PBS and other local broadcasters. It’s a great way to stay connected with different parts of the country, all without the cost of traditional TV services.
We welcome and appreciate any support from our community! The best way to support LocalTvShare is through donations, which help cover the costs of running and maintaining the service. Your contributions enable us to expand our reach, improve our platform, and continue offering this unique service to everyone. We are also exploring ways to provide grants to assist members with hardware costs in the future.
We are committed to expanding our platform by developing an Apple app for iPhone and Apple TV, and we hope to partner with hotels to offer LocalTvShare’s services to travelers. Additionally, through community donations, we aim to provide financial assistance to members for hardware costs through grants, helping more people participate in and benefit from our network.
To get started with LocalTvShare, you'll need the following equipment:
With these components, you can join our network and start sharing your local TV content with others!
Members can share and access local TV stations from across the USA, allowing users to watch free over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts without needing a cable or satellite subscription.
LocalTvShare creates a community-driven network where members share local channels, giving users access to content from different regions. This allows members to stay informed about news, weather, and events happening in other parts of the country.
Members can view real-time local news coverage from across the country, especially during significant events like hurricanes, protests, wildfires, and other emergencies. This provides an alternative to relying on national news networks, giving a local perspective.
LocalTvShare offers access to local sports games, bypassing blackout restrictions that normally apply due to geographic limitations. Members can also explore PBS channels from different states, each offering unique programming based on regional focus.
As a solution for the cord-cutting community, LocalTvShare provides an affordable and legally compliant way to access free local broadcasts without needing traditional cable services. This helps budget-conscious viewers and tech enthusiasts stay connected to local content.
The platform relies on members sharing their local TV stations via Raspberry Pi devices, antennas, and over-the-air tuners. LocalTvShare fosters collaboration among members to build and sustain the network.
LocalTvShare is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making local TV accessible to everyone. Our platform allows members to share and access free over-the-air broadcasts across the USA without the high costs of traditional TV services. We never charge our members—LocalTvShare operates solely on the generosity of people like you.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donations to LocalTvShare are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. This means your contribution not only helps us grow but can also reduce your taxable income, benefiting you at tax time. Upon donating, you'll receive a confirmation email and receipt that you can use for tax purposes. It's a win-win—you support a valuable community service and gain a potential tax advantage.
Every contribution directly supports LocalTvShare's mission by funding:
LocalTvShare is more than a service—it’s a community of viewers, creators, and enthusiasts who value local content and the freedom to share it. By donating, you’re not just supporting a project; you’re helping build a network that offers real-time access to local news, sports, and entertainment from across the country. Your contribution helps keep our service independent, legally compliant, and continually growing.
Your donations empower LocalTvShare to stay free, expand, and provide unique access to local content that no other service offers. With your help, we can continue to connect communities, provide real-time access to local perspectives, and build a platform that serves everyone.
Support LocalTvShare and invest in a community-driven future. Click below to donate, support our mission, and enjoy the benefits of contributing to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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