Locast’s free TV service shuts down after losing copyright ruling [Updated]

Enlarge (credit: iStockPhoto)

Update, 9/2/2021: Locast said it is shutting down its TV service, at least for now, in response to its loss in court. "We are suspending operations, effective immediately," Locast said in a message on its homepage. "As a nonprofit, Locast was designed from the very beginning to operate in accordance with the strict letter of the law, but in response to the court's recent rulings, with which we respectfully disagree, we are hereby suspending operations, effective immediately."

Original Story, 9/1/2021: The major broadcast networks have won a big copyright ruling against Locast, a nonprofit organization that provides online access to broadcast TV stations. Although it's a partial summary judgment, the ruling by a federal judge rejects Locast's primary defense against claims of copyright infringement.

Locast was sued by ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in July 2019. The companies alleged that Locast "must have a license to retransmit copyrighted television programming" even though the TV channels are available over the air for free. The lawsuit argued that Locast must "secure the consent of the broadcasters to retransmit the broadcast signals" in the same manner as cable, satellite, and online video services. Locast fought the lawsuit, saying it qualified for a copyright-law exemption available to nonprofits.

Read 22 remaining paragraphs | Comments