By Frank Macek
In today’s streaming-dominated media landscape, many viewers have overlooked one of the most valuable sources of free entertainment: over-the-air (OTA) television.
With just a simple antenna and a few minutes of setup, viewers can access an impressive lineup of free programming that goes well beyond the main NBC broadcast. Let’s take a closer look at what WKYC offers over the air and how you can tune in.
WKYC’s main channel, 3.1, delivers the station’s core programming in high definition. This includes local news, NBC network shows, and syndicated content. But beyond this familiar feed lies a rich catalog of multicast channels, each offering its own unique content. As of mid-2025, WKYC transmits up to eight subchannels alongside its main signal:
- 3.1 – WKYC (NBC) : The primary feed featuring NBC programming, local news, and weather.
- 3.2 – True Crime Network: Real-life crime stories and investigative programming.
- 3.3 – Cozi TV: A nostalgic treasure trove of classic TV series from decades past.
- 3.4 – Quest: Adventure, science, history, and exploration-themed reality content.
- 3.5 – The Nest: Lifestyle programming with a focus on home improvement and family.
- 3.6 – Shop LC: A home shopping network showcasing a variety of products.
- 3.7 – QVC2: The second channel from QVC offering additional retail programming.
- 3.8 – Nosey: Reality television and talk-show reruns from the past two decades.
These channels are all broadcast for free and require no subscription fees, no credit cards, and no streaming devices. All you need is a TV with a digital tuner (standard in nearly all TVs manufactured after 2009) and a digital antenna. Setting up access to these channels is easy. Here’s how:
First, choose the right antenna. Indoor antennas work well for most viewers in the Cleveland metro area, especially those within 20-30 miles of the broadcast towers. For those farther out or living in buildings with dense construction, an amplified or rooftop antenna might be necessary. Position the antenna near a window and as high as possible for best results.
Next, connect the antenna to your TV’s coaxial input and run a channel scan through the TV’s settings menu. This scan will detect all available digital channels in your area, including WKYC’s 3.1 through 3.8 feeds. Once the scan is complete, your TV will automatically add them to your channel lineup. It’s a good idea to repeat this scan every few months or after moving your antenna, as stations occasionally change frequencies or add new subchannels.
So why are these subchannels such a great option? For starters, they offer a surprising range of content. True Crime Network (3.2) draws fans of investigation and forensic analysis, while Cozi TV (3.3) is a dream come true for anyone who grew up watching television in the 60s, 70s, or 80s. Quest (3.4) appeals to those who enjoy learning about technology, the outdoors, and history. Meanwhile, The Nest (3.5) provides an alternative to the home improvement fare you’d typically find on cable.
Even the shopping networks serve a purpose. Channels like Shop LC (3.6) and QVC2 (3.7) are more than just retail streams—they often include entertaining hosts, themed segments, and live interaction that harkens back to the early days of home TV. And for those who love drama, tabloid content, and talk show nostalgia, Nosey (3.8) provides an endless loop of the kinds of shows that once defined daytime TV.
WKYC, as part of TEGNA Inc., has embraced digital multicasting as a way to provide even more value to its viewers. By filling its available spectrum with diverse and compelling programming, the station ensures it’s not just a destination for news and weather, but a full-fledged entertainment provider for the greater Cleveland area. It’s also a smart business move: each subchannel has its own advertisers and audience demographics, helping the station generate revenue while serving community needs.
There’s also the matter of quality. While subchannels like 3.2 through 3.8 are broadcast in standard definition (480i), the signal is often clearer and more stable than you’d expect. In many cases, over-the-air broadcasts have less compression than cable or satellite, which means cleaner images and more consistent audio—especially on the main 3.1 HD channel.
In the meantime, the current OTA offerings are more than enough to satisfy most casual viewers. Whether you're tuning in for a cozy night of classic sitcoms, catching the latest NBC prime time shows, or following a captivating true crime case, WKYC's digital subchannels offer a reliable, no-cost solution. And best of all, they remind us that sometimes the best things on TV really are free.
So if you haven’t rescanned your TV in a while, or if you’ve never explored the full range of what your antenna can deliver, now is the perfect time to give it a try. With WKYC’s robust OTA lineup, you might be surprised at what you find waiting on channels 3.2 through 3.8. The future of television may be digital, but it’s also available right now—no subscriptions, no streaming, no strings attached.