If people want to watch live local news and weather, why subscribe to one station/channel for $5.99/mo (limited commercials) or $9.99/mo (commercial free) when a digital antenna can be had for the one time price of as little as $30 and you'll be able to receive dozens and dozens of HD channels?
Say a person does NOT want to pay $30, but would rather pay $5.99 to see Star Trek AND be able to watch local news. Channel doesn't matter. They just want their local news to get the weather and events going on in the area.
There are PLENTY of people where a digital antenna won't work. You live in a valley, behind a mountain, too far away, etc. etc. - places where only a Satellite Dish is a viable option, so now this is ALSO a good option.