DIRECTV has introduced a new MyNEWS genre pack — a smaller, specialized add-on that focuses on news channels (local and national) at a lower price point than a full cable lineup. The idea is to give viewers a more affordable, customized option without paying for a huge bundle of channels they don’t watch. Key points: The MyNEWS pack bundles popular news networks together. It comes with discounted pricing, making it cheaper than traditional full channel packages. This reflects a trend where big TV providers are offering smaller, more focused channel bundles to compete with streaming and cord-cutting setups. For cord cutters, this kind of move shows how traditional services are adapting — but it also underscores the importance of comparing cost vs. actual viewing needs before adding paid packages. 💬 Question: If you only cared about news channels, would you subscribe to a smaller pack like this, or stick with free/streaming options?

Yet again, a major streaming service has announced a price increase. This continues a growing trend we’ve been seeing across the industry: services slowly raise monthly fees, often without major changes to content or quality. For cord cutters, this is a reminder that: Streaming subscriptions aren’t “fixed” — prices can change at any time Paying for multiple services adds up quickly Regularly reviewing your lineup can save you money Instead of just keeping every service you’ve ever signed up for, checking what you actually use (and what’s worth the cost) is more important than ever. 💬 Question: Has a price increase ever made you cancel a service? Which one?

Cutting the cord doesn’t just mean streaming — antennas still play a major role in getting free local channels with great picture quality. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about using an antenna as part of your setup. Key points: Antenna basics: How they work and why they’re still valuable for free local TV. Placement matters: Height, direction, and distance from broadcast towers all affect reception. Types of antennas: Indoor vs outdoor, and which situations each works best in. Tools to help: Apps and websites can help you find local broadcast towers and predict signal strength. Best combined setup: Antennas + streaming apps can cover both locals and wider content without paying for cable. Overall, antennas remain a powerful, low-cost tool for cord cutters — especially for live local news, sports, and major events — and work well alongside streaming to give you the most coverage for the least cost. 💬 Question: Have you used an antenna with your cord-cutting setup? What was your experience?

You don’t need to pay a big cable bill to have plenty to watch. There are dozens of free or ultra-cheap streaming options that can help you cut costs—or even bring your monthly TV bill close to $0. Here are some types of free services worth checking out: • Pluto TV – Lots of cable-style channels and movies for free. • Tubi – Free movies, shows, and some reality content. • The Roku Channel – Free live channels, movies, news, and more. • Hoopla & Kanopy – Free movies/shows through your library card (no ads on some). • Sling TV Freestream – Free live channels and on-demand content. • PBS / PBS Kids – Free broadcast and on-demand public TV content. • Xumo, Plex, and others – Extra ad-supported channels and libraries. • News apps like Haystack News and LocalNow offer free news streams. These services are all ad-supported, so you won’t pay monthly fees, but you will see ads—similar to old-school TV, just without the high cost. This kind of lineup can be a powerful part of a cord-cutting setup — especially combined with an antenna or a few low-cost paid services to fill in gaps. 💬 Question: What free streaming services have you tried, and which ones do you like most?

Another streaming service has announced it’s shutting down this year. As more companies struggle to compete, platforms with smaller audiences or niche content are being folded or discontinued. This is part of a growing trend where streaming options are constantly changing, and services that once seemed essential can disappear or restructure without much notice. For cord cutters, this is a reminder that your watch list and service lineup might need updating more often than you think — especially if you rely on a service that doesn’t have a large subscriber base. 💬 Question: Has a streaming service you subscribe to ever shut down on you? What did you switch to next?