Over-the-air (OTA) television has long been a cornerstone of American life — a public good that connects millions to news, culture, education, and entertainment, all freely available to anyone with an antenna. But that freedom is now under threat.

The recent introduction of Digital Rights Management (DRM) on OTA broadcasts marks a dangerous shift in how television content is delivered and controlled. DRM is a restrictive technology that limits how viewers can access, record, or even watch content — and it’s being quietly implemented without public consent. If left unchecked, DRM could make it impossible for many Americans to enjoy free TV as we know it.

This isn’t just a technical change. It’s a direct attack on consumer rights and public access to information.

DRM prevents viewers from recording shows to watch later (known as time-shifting), storing content for personal or educational use, or accessing broadcasts on devices of their choice. It treats every viewer as a potential threat rather than a participant in a shared public resource. That’s not how free TV is supposed to work.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that more than 14 million U.S. households rely exclusively on over-the-air broadcasts. Many of these households include low-income families, rural communities, seniors, and others for whom cable or streaming services are financially out of reach. DRM puts these Americans at a clear disadvantage, depriving them of a lifeline to information, emergency broadcasts, local news, and civic participation.

Broadcast airwaves are public property. They were never meant to be locked down or paywalled. Networks and stations operate on these frequencies with the understanding that they serve the public interest. Introducing DRM violates this principle and undermines the trust placed in broadcasters to keep the public informed and connected.

Even worse, DRM doesn't stop piracy — it never has. What it does do is frustrate and punish lawful users. Rather than targeting bad actors, DRM creates barriers for people who simply want to watch local news, educational content, or their favorite shows without being monitored or restricted.

What We’re Asking For
We are calling on:

The FCC to prohibit the use of DRM on over-the-air broadcasts.
Lawmakers to uphold the public's right to free, open, and accessible television.
Broadcasters to reject DRM and recommit to serving the public interest.
Instead of locking down content, broadcasters should invest in better programming, viewer engagement, and open access technologies. A more informed, connected, and empowered public is possible — but only if we keep free TV truly free.

Take Action Now
Your voice matters. Sign this petition and send a clear message: We will not stand by while corporate interests wall off a vital public resource. Let’s protect the integrity of over-the-air television and the rights of millions who depend on it.

Stand up for your right to watch, record, and access free TV.
Say NO to DRM. Say YES to public access.