Or those in rural areas could actually, y’know, watch streaming/online like the rest of us.
The cable and satellite networks didn’t want to give us a la carte options, now they’re going to be forced by market forces (customers leaving) to either give us a la carte or more likely just watch their TV customers leave for streaming - HBO for example is smart enough to realize that people will pay them directly for their content so they offer paid streaming online. Through smart TVs or modern set top boxes, you don’t have to sit at your computer or tablet to watch them but can camp in your living room and watch on your existing TV.
In the end, all these companies that won’t offer a la carte will have for their customer base is elderly tech-stupid or tech-hating people.
I don’t even remember the last time I watched a local channel, maybe except for weather updates.
Or not. Streaming may or may not work depending on the service, an individual's plan, where you are in the beam, and other factors. Point to point service is available in some rural areas, but coverage is spotty. OTA works depending on the distance from the OTA station.
When content moves to Gen 5, there will be even fewer choices. Blue areas will be rewarded if they continue to vote correctly. Red areas not so much.