Method and apparatus for inserting local data into a broadcast stream

A method and system including a broadcast and a local information source, a headend, and a link are described for providing local information to a user device. A broadcast information stream generated at a first data rate is received at the headend. Local information packets are inserted at the headend into the broadcast information stream forming a combined information stream which is transmitted to the user device at a different data rate. Alternatively, local information packets are inserted in place of unusable packets in a broadcast information stream to form a combined information stream which is transmitted to the user device. The user device may be, a display, a, computer, a VCR, a DVR, a set-top box, or a TV.