You may recall (although we’re not sure why anyone would) that a couple years back, when Dish Network and DIRECTV were trying to merge, one of the reasons they gave the Feds was that it would let them add more local market broadcast networks (NBC, CBS, etc.) — something they were unable to do as separate entities.

Well, the merger was turned down and, miraculously, the companies have still found the ability to add these networks. Local networks are now available in 163 of the 210 markets in the U.S.

Amaze your friends — memorize this list of where local channels aren’t available and read it off the next time anyone questions your depth of useless knowledge: Alexandria (LA), Alpena (MI), Bangor (ME), Beaumont (TX), Bend (OR), Biloxi (MS), Binghamton (NY), Bluefield (WV), Bowling Green (KY), Butte (MT), Casper (WY), Columbus (GA), Dothan (AL), Elmira (NY), Eureka (CA), Glendive (MT), Great Falls (MT), Greenwood (MS), Harrisonburg (VA), Hattiesburg (MS), Helena (MT), Jackson (TN), Jonesboro (AR), Juneau (AK), Lafayette (IN), Lake Charles (LA), Laredo (TX), Lima (OH), Mankato (MN), Marquette (MI), Minot-Bismark (ND), North Platte (NE), Odessa-Midland (TX), Ottumwa (IA), Palm Springs (CA), Parkersburg (WV), Presque Isle (ME), Rochester (MN), Salisbury (MD), San Angelo (TX), St. Joeseph (MO), Utica (NY), Victoria (TX), Watertown (NY), Wheeling (WV), Yuma (AZ), Zanesville (OH).

If your city is on the list, click here, look up your location and click on the “email me when available” link. If you are considering upgrading to satellite TV, take a look at our Consumer Guide to Satellite TV for a comprehensive comparison of Dish Network and DIRECTV service.