...stations? I am thinking of getting direct TV and local channels are not available in my area. If I still get FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS, just not my local ones, that is fine. I just want to make sure those networks will still be available to me to watch the shows I like.

You will still receive the network affiliates no matter where you live.They will give you a list of city options to choose from when you sign up.(I lived in Burlington,CO, 200 miles from Denver-- 250 from Wichita,KS I got to pick between the two cities stations to tune in to.) ie:All the feeds from Denver OR Wichita.