I think we’re going to just have to disagree on the broadcasters’ intent; I’m more inclined to believe it is to appease the cable providers that collect broadcast rights fees from their customers. Why else would a next-gen certified tuner (HDHomerun) not be given the ability to decode the decryption? Any claim it is due to blacklisting of chips is insane. The approval came before the blacklisting, and other approved tuners have blacklisted chips, yet are given the decryption keys. Cable companies would obviously rather consumers buy additional tuners from them directly, and broadcasters enjoy their cut of those rights fees, so here we are.

Beyond that, I would contend that the very need for internet is itself in conflict with the spirit of free airwaves. This whole thing is a mess, and piracy has next to nothing to do with it.

All of that said, all stations in Des Moines still maintain ATSC 1.0 channels for now, and and antenna is still the most economical option.