For over a year I've been collecting streams from US local channels that have their news or information programs open and on their website. I want to share the list for free, but is it illegal?
I simply go on their website and find the m3u8 url. It doesn't always work, there are many reasons. But I have about 450 channels now, most of them are ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, then some random locals with news. Some of the urls are real pain as the url changes daily or hourly or with each refresh, Anvato streams for example. I estimate that about 70% of my urls work, but its hard to test as some networks cut the open feed when the news are not on and you might think the url isn't working.
I've been wanting to share this list with the community here but not sure if I could get in trouble. I personally think it's legal as there's only news being shown, and then a static image or reruns between live news.
I'm also working on mapping all the stations out on a Google map, and now currently I have all the ABC networks and I'm almost done with CBS, this could be helpful for people who have moved and want a easy way to watch news from their old town. This has been a long project and probably more than 100-150 hours put in to it.
I've also taken great care into the logo's, trying my best to have them as accurate as possible and in good quality, I have focused on png logos that work perfect on gray/dark backgrounds. I've had to recreate many logos. I find most IPTV operators not doing a good job when it comes to logos and having them correct and good quality. But it can be hard work.
But back to my original question, does anyone here know if this is illegal? I am only going to their website and copying the m3u8 url. No hack needed as the url is just on their website and I'm in a way creating shortcut.
If they’re available freely online then I do not see it to be illegal to create a M3u file to make zapping between channels easier. Good work for sourcing this many channels as I know it’s hard work.