Cable TV has become another utility payment for the majority. Programming is definitely broad with many options available for all tastes. But during an event that cable may not be available for many reasons, lines down, cable supplier power outages, or the switch was turned off for unknown reasons. Don’t be caught without an alternative method for keeping up with lifesaving news or time killing entertainment.
Local television stations in most areas have substantial power backup systems to keep their broadcasting up and running during an event either natural or man made. During power outages those with back up power supplies can still receive over the air television broadcasting.
On June 12, 2009 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that all U.S. based television signals must be transmitted digitally. This caused several obstacles for analog tv users. Their TV’s were not capable of receiving the new digital signal any more. Programs were put in place to offer free digital converter boxes for those willing to sign up for government subsidizing. That program soon faded out and digital TV’s swamped the market. Cable tv viewers were unaffected by the digital conversation and I suspect many people don’t realize that local programming is still available across the airwaves for free.
Consider purchasing a digital tv antenna, even if your a cable customer, a simple coax cable and the tv antenna will allow you to receive one or maybe more local national broadcasting stations during an event. Antennas come in all shapes and sizes now. I’m old school and opted for the old fashioned Fred Flintstone style, but where you live makes a big difference on the style and size you may need.
This website will tell you what stations are available and show the best direction to point your antenna for your zip code. https://www.antennasdirect.com/transmitter-locator.html
You never know, you might give over the air digital tv a try and find you can ditch the cable. An extra hundred dollars a month can buy a lot of supplies that you may be happy to have over watching truckers driving on ice.