These days, there are plenty of free apps that let you stream local news straight to your TV or smartphone. So, here is a list of apps that let you stream local news channels for free.
Locast is a non-profit service dedicated to keeping local news accessible to everyone. The platform also includes access to sports and other programs such as soap operas and talk shows.
The Locast app is the perfect alternative to installing an antenna, paying for cable, or a news subscription. The platform's layout mimics what a basic cable menu looks like, including showtimes, episode descriptions, and a wide selection of channels you can scroll through.
The app is free to download and use on most major streaming devices. However, he encourages you to donate a minimum of $5, which covers the cost of the broadcast directly to you.
The channels you find on this platform will vary depending on your location, but will generally cover your local news channels FOX, CBS and NBC.
Download: Locast for iOS | Android | Roku (Free, with suggested donation)
NewsON is a free news streaming app that offers live and on-demand news broadcasts. The app covers 250 channels in over 165 markets. NewsOn is free to download on most streaming platforms. Although the app adapts to your particular region, you can also watch local news channels from other cities.
The layout of this app is easy to navigate, with menus for streaming live news and on-demand news clips, which you can play up to 48 hours after their original air date .
Download: NewsON for iOS | android| Roku (Free)
Haystack News offers non-stop local and global news. This app is a great choice if you want to stay informed of both local news trends and global conversations.
The layout of the Haystack News app is simple and customizable, as you can save your interests and preferences when signing up. However, the app will automatically prioritize local news on your feed.
The mobile device layout for this app is ideal for consuming local news on the go.
Download: Haystack News for iOS | android| Roku (Free)
LocalNow focuses on streaming local news, weather, traffic, and sports. Plus, it offers a good selection of shows and movies to stream.
The app promises a range of diverse news stories. It also produces stories written and hosted by LocalNow staff – from health news clips to wellness stories happening around you.
The selection of TV shows and movies makes the app a great option for a desktop TV, giving you the flexibility to switch from news to entertainment in the same app.
Download: LocalNow for iOS | android| Roku (Free)
CBS News app is a free alternative to broadcast local news in major metropolitan cities. The app includes access to local CBS news in areas like Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more.
CBS News is also a good option if you want to stay informed about local weather or natural disasters that may affect your area.
You can also search for your local CBS app by simply typing “local CBS” in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Download: CBS News for iOS | Android | Roku | (Free)
If you are looking for an app that combines local news with many different shows in one place, Pluto TV is a good option for you.
This streaming service hosts local CBS News and a variety of entertainment channels. However, if you are looking for a wide range of coverage from different local news sources, consider some of the other options mentioned above.
Download: Pluto TV for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
The ABC News app offers live prime time news broadcasts in addition to local news. This platform also provides a section of curated play videos covering the most important titles in the country. As a bonus, it also airs ABC studio shows such as Good Morning America, The View, and Nightline, to name a few.
The mobile version offers a combination of news streaming, curated video show recaps, and podcasts, making it a great choice if you want to consume news through a single app on your mobile device.
ABC News is a great alternative if you want to stay up to date with national headlines and local news. Still, if you want to focus on local news, search "ABC local" on your app store of choice to find local ABC news apps in your market.
Download: ABC News for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
NBC News is yet another option for broadcasting local, national and international news. The app streams video and live updates from national headlines covered by NBC News and MSNBC, while also providing access to primetime investigative shows such as Nightly News and The Rachel Maddow Show.
This platform is the perfect solution if you want to stay up to date with national prime time news, trending topics and some local stories that might interest you. However, like most major networks, it also offers individual news apps that focus on local news; if that's what you're looking for, you can find it by searching "NBC Local" on your app store of choice.
Download: NBC News for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
As demand for streaming grows as more consumers choose to cut the cord, access to local news and events should become easier. In the meantime, here are some of the best ways to access local news on your TV or mobile device.
Deciding which software(s) to download and use really depends on a number of factors. Are you only interested in local news? Or do you want national and international stories included in the mix? Do you also want to access entertainment and sports?
Whichever app you choose, you can at least keep up to date with the news.
