DIRECTV Readies MyLocals and MyKids Genre Packs

Earlier this year, DIRECTV shook up the live TV streaming world when it introduced its inexpensive Genre Packs. Now, it seems there are two more mini-bundles nearing the starting line. Sleuths at Reddit have discovered the existence of two new channel packages: MyLocals (10+ channels) and MyKids (8+ channels). Further digging suggests MyKids may cost $19.99/month.

The channels included have not yet been announced, and we don’t know when DIRECTV may make them available. It’s possible MyLocals could resemble the long-dead Locast, which offered a streaming option for the same major channels you could get with an antenna (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS, etc). I still recommend all cord-cutters have an antenna – it makes more sense than paying every month.

Although more flexible channel packages are a great development for any cord-cutter, they haven’t proven especially popular just yet. In their first three months, DIRECTV’s genre packs have only accounted for 10% of new sign-ups.

Read: What Channels Are Included in DIRECTV’s Genre Packs?

Live TV providers are doing all they can to retain subscribers as more people flee to an on-demand-only ecosystem. Sports are really the only event keeping live TV alive. In 2024, 75 of the 100 most-watched primetime telecasts were sports. That audience-drawing power explains why ESPN alone costs distributors an average of $9.42 per subscriber per month. Sports networks on average cost $1.30, while non-sports networks cost just 71 cents per subscriber per month.

Because of the high price of sports, non-sports live TV options like Philo and Frndly TV are so much less expensive for consumers. DIRECTV’s non-sports bundles cost just $34.99 and $39.99.

This year, more channels will be available as standalone streaming options. Unfortunately, the prices are awful for those plans. ESPN Unlimited will be $29.99/month. We don’t yet have pricing for FOX One or CNN’s upcoming streaming option, but they are likely to be similarly expensive. You’ll almost always get a better value with a larger bundle of channels.

By offering smaller channel packages, DIRECTV is giving viewers the choice of whether those pricey channels are worth inclusion in their lineups and their bills. It’s one of many reasons Streaming Smarter recommends DIRECTV as the best streaming option for live TV.