In 2024, the television landscape continued to be dominated by the top four broadcast networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, which consistently drew the largest audiences due to their popular programming, including live sports, news, and primetime shows. As a result, one of the most frequently asked questions from viewers is how to access these local channels without the expense of a traditional cable TV subscription. With the rise of streaming devices and services, viewers have a variety of options to watch these networks for free, making it easier than ever to cut the cord while still enjoying local content.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to access ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, ranging from completely free services to affordable paid alternatives, all compatible with popular streaming platforms like Roku, Google TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods to watch these local channels without a cable subscription, including over-the-air antennas, free streaming apps, and select paid services that offer local channel access. Whether you’re a sports fan, news enthusiast, or simply want to keep up with your favorite network shows, we’ll break down the steps to stream these channels seamlessly on your preferred device.
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 | YouTube TV | Sling TV | Hulu |
| ABC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓* | ✓ |
| CBS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | ✓ |
| FOX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓* | ✓ |
| NBC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓* | ✓ |
| CW | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*Only in select markets.
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:
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 their website HERE.
Zeam is a local news app that offers a ton of local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC station news. You can learn more on their 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 their 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.
For Nexstar-owned channels, they have recently launched their own apps for many of their local TV stations with a live feed of their ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC stations. You can learn more 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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