An antenna gets you a lot

A surprising fact was overlooked in a Variety's year end TV viewership report: 6 out of the 10 most popular networks are free over-the-air channels (like the ones you get with an antenna). This means you don't necessarily need cable, satellite, or even streaming services to watch these top networks.

So, can you ditch cable and watch for free? It depends on your location and reception. Websites like Antenna Web can help you check if an antenna will work for you.

Need help setting up an antenna? There are two options:

• Do it yourself: Use Antenna Web to find out what kind of antenna you need for your area.
• Get help from an expert: A professional like Tyler the Antenna Man can assess your situation and recommend the right antenna.

Beware of exaggerated claims: Some antenna sellers make unrealistic promises about their products. Tyler can help you sort through the hype and find a quality antenna.

The bottom line: With an antenna, you might be able to watch your favorite channels for free, especially the most popular ones.

My Streaming Life uses an antenna on occasion. I don't watch free over the air TV every day, but I watch it enough that it was worth the time and expense.