If you have cut the cord, accessing local news through your TV can be complicated. The good news is you don't need a costly cable package to stay on top of what's happening in your neighborhood.
Nowadays, there are plenty of free sites and apps that let you stream local news directly to your smart TV or smartphone. Here are our top picks if you'd like to stream local news channels for free.
1. NewsON
NewsON is a free news streaming app that offers live and on-demand news. The app covers over 275 channels in over 165 US markets.
NewsON is free to download for consumption across all the major streaming providers, including Roku, Chromecast, among others. In fact, it's one of the best ways to watch local TV on Roku. While the app can deliver news locally to your area in particular, you can also watch local news channels hailing from other cities as well.
This NewsON app is easy to navigate, with menus for live news streaming and on-demand news clips. These clips are available for playback for up to 48 hours after airing originally.
Download: NewsON for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
2. Haystack News
Haystack News is another local news app that offers streaming for local stations, national stations, and global news. This news app is an excellent choice to stream local news for free to stay informed—local trends, nationwide news, and the global dialogue all find a home in Haystack.
The Haystack News app layout is straightforward, customizable, and perfect for local news streaming on the go; you can save your interests and preferences during registration, putting all of your favorite listens right at your fingertips.
By default, the app will automatically prioritize streaming local news on your feed, keeping you on top of everything going on in your city. If you want to watch without ads, there's a 30-day free trial for a subscription which then costs $4.99/month.
Download: Haystack News for iOS | Android | Roku (Free, subscription available)
3. Local Now
Local Now is one of the best apps for streaming local news, weather, traffic, and sports. It also offers a wide selection of shows and movies for streaming. Entertainment will never be in short supply here, even if all that you want is to watch local news.
This free local news app promises a range of diverse news stories. It also produces feature stories written and hosted by Local Now itself, all from an in-house team of anchors and journalists. You'll find anything you could ever want here, from informational clips on health to feel-good, soft news stories happening around you.
Download: Local Now for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
4. CBS News
If you came into this article hoping to learn how to watch local news without cable, you're in luck. You have plenty of name-brand options to choose from online. The best app for local news might actually be the CBS News app; you can also watch local news free right from your browser.
The app includes access to local CBS News in all the major metropolitan cities in this country. News from areas like Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia are all available for free streaming, local news channels included.
CBS News is one of your most compelling options if you're looking to stay informed on all the ordinary beats in life: the economy, international affairs, sports, and even celebrity gossip if you tune in at the right time.
Download: CBS News for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
5. Pluto TV
If you're looking for an app that offers free local news streaming alongside plenty of extra entertainment content, Pluto TV is another great way to watch local news online. This streaming service actually includes a local CBS News feed, as well as a variety of comedy, drama, and documentaries to check out. You can even watch Pluto TV from anywhere in the world.
If streaming local news channels is your top priority, however, you might want to consider one of these other options over Pluto. It's one of the best free streaming platforms, but its offerings in the way of a diverse selection of local news are much humbler than some of these other heavyweights.
Download: Pluto TV for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
6. ABC News
The ABC News app offers live prime-time news broadcasts in addition to local news. ABC is home to a selection of curated news streaming, all covering the country's most pressing headlines.
Aside from streaming local news for free, you'll also be able to watch ABC originals like Good Morning America, The View, and Nightline, to name a few.
This app for local news is perfect for streaming local news channels, video show recaps, and podcasts, making it a great choice if you're looking for a one-stop spot for all of your news media needs.
In short, ABC News is an excellent alternative if you're interested in staying updated on both national headlines and local news. If you want to hone in on your own city, search for "ABC Local" in the app store of your choice to find the version for your area.
Download: ABC News for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
7. NBC News
NBC News is yet another world-class option when it comes to streaming local, national, and international news. The app streams video and live updates, everything covered by NBC News and MSNBC. You'll also have access to prime-time investigative shows.
This platform is the perfect fit if you are looking to stay on top of prime-time national news, trending topics, and local stories. Like most major networks, it also offers regional free streaming news apps that focus on local news; if that's what you're looking for, you can find it by searching "NBC Local" in any major app store.
Download: NBC News for iOS | Android | Roku (Free)
Watch Free Local Channel News On Your Smart TV
Gone are the days when you had to pay a large cable company for news or install a TV antenna on your roof. Access to local news is now free and convenient.
Year after year, more consumers choose to cut the cord. If you aspire one day to count yourself among them, consider any of the app- and browser-based alternatives mentioned here to be your ticket to live, local news on your terms.