Local broadcast channels are important to people who break away from cable TV, but still want access to TV shows and local news.
Inexpensive live TV streaming services such as Philo and Frndly TV have shied away from carrying locals because of cost. Cable companies charge monthly broadcast fees to customers that can cost upwards of $20 per month.
In Frndly’s case, the budget-friendly streamer always had some element of local channels in its lineup. Among its 50-plus channels are a number of networks that you can get using a TV antenna.
These channels include MeTV, MeTV Toons, Court TV, Heartland, ion, ion Mystery, GRIT, Laff, H&I, Start TV, Bounce, and Story Television. But depending on where you live, you might be able to get one of the six independently-owned broadcast TV stations as well.
So what are these independent TV stations and what do they offer? Here is a detailed look at the five independent stations and one CW affiliated station:
KCDO (Channel 3, Denver, CO DMA)
KCDO-TV is an independent station that features a mix of locally produced content and syndicated programming.
Its current programming includes:
- Morning Rush: A morning news show that discusses trending stories.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: A popular crime drama series.
- Dr. Phil: A talk show focused on personal and social issues.
- Hot Bench: A courtroom show with judges discussing various cases.
- 48 Hours: A true crime documentary series.
- People Puzzler: A game show based on crossword puzzles.
- Last Man Standing: A sitcom about a family man navigating life and fatherhood.
- The Neighborhood: A comedy series about neighbors from different backgrounds.
KCDO carries sub-channels that include Grit, Laff, Ion Television, and QVC if you get this channel locally with a TV antenna. It’s not clear if those stations are added as well on frndly.
WMYD (Channel 20, Detroit, MI DMA)
WMYD is a CW affiliate, which means it airs programming from the CW network. This could be more valuable than just watching episodes of “Cops Reloaded” or “61st Street”.
Given that local CW stations are now showing ACC and Pac-12 college football, frndly technically now has some sports to watch if you live in the Detroit TV market. The NASCAR Xfinity Series, WWE NXT and LIV Golf are part of the CW’s sports lineup.
WACY (Channel 32, Green Bay, WI DMA)
WACY is another independent station that typically airs syndicated programming, including “Divorce Court,” “Dateline,” “The First 48,” “Chicago Fire,” and “TMZ Live.” The station also broadcasts local news and community programming.
KMCI (Channel 38, Kansas City, MO DMA)
KMCI is an independent station known locally as “38 the Spot” that carries syndicated dramas such as “The King of Queens,” “Friends,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Baseball fans can also watch games from the Kansas City Monarchs, a team that competes in the American Association of Professional Baseball.
WFMZ (Channel 69, Philadelphia, PA DMA)
WFMZ is an independent station known for “69 News Sunrise” in the morning hours followed by a number of syndicated shows like “Hot Bench,” “Entertainment Tonight” and “iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas.”
The channel is best known in the Lehigh Valley region for its community programming and focus on local news. If you get this channel with a TV antenna, the sub-channels are a Regional 24/7 Weather Channel (69.2), Heroes & Icons (69.3) and Retro TV (69.4).
WHDT (Channel 9, West Palm Beach, FL DMA)
WHDT is an independent station that recently came under the ownership of E.W. Scripps Company. This station operates primarily as a news-format station called Scripps’ Florida 24 Network.
Starting in the 2024-2025 season, WHDT will broadcast Florida Panthers games as part of a deal with Scripps Sports. Most local news segments cover West Palm Beach and surrounding areas.
So while Frndly TV doesn’t have the “Big Four” networks, these channels are adding local news and in some cases live sports to six TV markets across the U.S.
