In 2023, the top four most watched networks were ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. This often means one of the most common questions we get is how you can watch local channels for free without paying for cable TV. There are many options, from free services to paid options. Today, we are going to break down how to watch local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC free on Roku players and Roku TVs.
How to Watch Locals for Free
For most Americans, an antenna will give you free access to local channels. This means you can watch your local news but also Primetime and daytime content for free from your local TV stations. Reception varies depending on where you live, but for most Americans, a one-time cost of an antenna will help you get free TV for life.
You can use a site like Antennaweb to see what channels are free in your area.
You can also use a device like an HDHomeRun or a Tablo DVR to stream your antenna to all of the Roku players in your house.
How to Watch Locals Without an Antenna
If you don’t get your locals with an antenna, you may want to look at a live TV streaming service. Many, but not all of them, offer locals. Here are the top options for watching locals without an antenna.
| | DIRECTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | Vidgo | YouTube TV |
| ABC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CBS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | | ✓ |
| FOX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NBC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | ✓ | | ✓ |
| CW | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
If all you want is CBS, you may want to look at Paramount+ as a great option to give you CBS. For NBC, you can get Peacock to stream your local NBC affiliate live with the Peacock Premium Plus subscription.
How to Stream Local News for Free Online with Roku, Roku TVs, Apple TV, Google TV, Fire TV & More
Note: Most of these apps are on all devices but not all.
If all you want is local news, there are many apps to stream local news for free. Here are just a few great options:
NewsON offers live news from all over the United States. They have more than 275 local news stations streaming on the website through the app on the most popular devices. You can learn more on the website HERE.
Haystack News offers both live and on-demand news streaming for free online from a ton of news stations, including local Nexstar stations. You can learn more on the website HERE.
Local Now is one more free option that includes a ton of local news stations plus curated local news programs from The Weather Channels’ parent company, Allen Media Group, which also owns Local Now. You can learn more on the website HERE.
Tubi is a FOX-owned streaming service that includes not only a ton of movies and TV shows but also most local FOX affiliates for local news. You can learn more on Tubi’s website HERE.
The Roku Channel is available on multiple devices not only Roku players. It also comes with a ton of local news for free. You can learn more on The Roku Channel’s website HERE.
Between all these options, you should be able to find most, if not all, of your local news stations. So, enjoy your local news without paying for an expensive news package.
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