As a seasoned cord-cutter with years of experience testing streaming devices, I've found reliable ways to access local TV networks on Roku without paying for cable. Here's how to get live news, weather, and shows for free.
Keep in mind that Roku's local channels may differ from cable or OTA due to licensing agreements, especially for news and movies. Luckily, free streaming news options abound. Check out our guide to 5 Free Streaming News Channels for Cord Cutters.
Start in the Roku Channel Store for official affiliate and third-party local channels. Today, over 100 free local news channels are available, including WSB-TV Channel 2, News 12, WBRC FOX 6 News, WTVF News Channel 5, Boston 25, FOX13 Memphis News, WPXI Channel 11 News, and KGTV 10 News San Diego.
The easiest way to browse is the News & Weather section in the Channel Store, via web or your Roku device.
If your local stations lack Roku apps, third-party options fill the gap.
NewsON, a collaboration of major U.S. station groups like ABC, Cox Media Group, Hearst Television, Media General, and Raycom Media (plus more), delivers 170 stations from 108 U.S. cities for free. Nearly 85% of the U.S. population has access to at least one local channel.
Haystack TV stands out for cord-cutters seeking national and local news. It partners with over 150 local news stations, including CBS Los Angeles KCAL, CBS Pittsburgh KDKA, CBS Chicago WBBM, CBS New York WCBS, CBS Boston WBZ, CBS San Francisco KPIX, NBC Nebraska, and more.
Haystack personalizes content based on your viewing habits, surfacing what interests you most.
Roku's private channels, built by independent developers, offer hidden gems. Search for area-specific ones, but ensure content is legally accessible before installing.
Learn how in our guide: How to Install Private Roku Channels and Unlock More Content. Also, try 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Right Now.
With a cable subscription, download official apps from ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and PBS. Some local affiliates stream via these. Confirm with your provider.
On Roku TVs, connect an HDTV antenna to watch over-the-air TV through the Roku interface—follow on-screen setup.
Antennas pull major networks like NFL games and hit shows. Modern ones are affordable and discreet, reaching 100+ miles depending on terrain. See What Can You Watch with a TV Antenna?.
Many local networks live-stream 24/7 on YouTube, plus clips and segments. Install the official YouTube app on Roku and sign in with your Google account. (Roku edges out Amazon Fire TV with native YouTube support—see Amazon Fire Stick vs. Roku: Which Is Better?.)
Roku lacks a native browser, but Miracast mirrors Android or Windows screens wirelessly like an HDMI cable.
On Windows, open Action Center and click Connect. On Android, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Cast.
For more, try DirecTV, Hulu, PlayStation Vue, Sling, or YouTube TV with local programming and free trials. YouTube TV shines as the top cable replacement—read why in Why YouTube TV Is the Best Cable Replacement for Cord Cutters.
