Oakland TV Now Offered Through Free Innovative Streaming Platform

Local BTV - 2021

The Borough of Oakland is excited to announce that Oakland TV, a long-standing public access television channel made available to Oakland’s Altice (Channel 77) and Verizon (HD Channel 2145) customers, has now collaborated with technology company Didja to offer access to view Oakland TV through their mobile, tablet, and smart TV applications.

At no cost to the Borough and at no cost to anyone wishing to utilize its basic service, Didja, through its LocalBTV platform, is providing anyone living in the entire New York City Metro area the ability to tune in and watch Oakland TV wherever they are. Their service for this area, NYCBTV, is described by Didja as "antenna TV for the mobile age”.

To Watch Oakland TV online:

  • Visit www.localbtv.com
  • Download LocalBTV app on Android or Apple Smartphone
  • Download LocalBTV app on Roku Device, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices

NYCBTV is available to New York City area residents only, so Oakland TV cannot be seen by anyone outside of the New York City television market.

“The ability of Oakland TV to reach more residents, in addition to the fact that neither the viewer, nor the Borough, will have to pay a dime in charges or fees to utilize this service is a huge achievement and another important step to keep Oakland TV relevant with the times, establish a watchable broadcast quality, ensure it is accessible to all age groups, and to assure transparency in government for a 21st century consumer,” said Oakland Communications Commission Chairman Ryan Schwertfeger. “I couldn’t be prouder of the team effort, the forward thinking, and the overall sense of accomplishment in getting this initiative launched.”

"The LocalBTV app delivers over 40 channels of local TV at no cost to viewers," said Kurt Buecheler, Chief Customer Officer for LocalBTV, "LocalBTV is proud to add the Borough to our lineup and to partner with the TV Committee and OCC to make it easy for all Oakland residents to watch Oakland TV and more on any device, anywhere in the metro area."

"I am excited that this is being offered to our residents, it is important for transparency and for free flow of information to ensure multiple ways for people to watch Oakland TV”, said Council Liaison Grant Van Eck. “The world has changed, and many residents use streaming instead of traditional cable television. This brings Oakland up to speed with the evolution of how individuals consume media. There was fantastic collaboration between those involved to bring this upgrade to fruition. I commend the teamwork displayed by our volunteers on the OCC and TV Committee. It is remarkably rewarding to work with a dedicated group that follows through on initiatives which improve our community"

“I have been an OCC volunteer since 2007 and unfortunately could not view the content I was helping produce because I have satellite.  Didja online streaming represents a paradigm shift for viewers like me because we can now watch our community’s TV channel any time, any place, anywhere. It’s another win for Oakland as we stay on the cutting edge of today’s technology thanks to our exceptional team of volunteers and forward thinking representatives”, said Oakland TV Committee Chairman Jim Barry.

Those wanting to learn more and start streaming Oakland TV can go to www.localbtv.com/m/NYCBTV or search LocalBTV where they download their apps and streaming channels. Then click the map marker “Community” icon and choose Oakland TV.

To view a PDF copy of the release, click here.