How to Watch Local News Without Cable or a TV Bundle

For decades, the cable bundle was the only game in town — phone, internet, and TV, all from one provider. But the streaming revolution changed that. Today, cord cutting local news is not only possible, it’s surprisingly easy.

According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study [1], 72% of Americans still consider local TV news an important part of their information diet. The good news is that you no longer need a bundle to get it. All you need is a solid internet connection, a smart TV or streaming device, and the right apps.

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How Do I Watch Local News for Free Without Cable?

Free local news streaming apps designed specifically for smart TVs is the easiest way to get your news, though two stand out above the rest.

Local Now App

The Local Now app is one of the strongest free options available [2]. It’s completely free, activates after you enter your zip code, and surfaces multiple local TV news affiliates (NBC, CBS, FOX, and others) within seconds. Local Now works on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and also via browser or tablet. Its local channel detection is fast and its interface navigates well with a standard TV remote.

NewsON App

The NewsON app is another reliable free option and a worthy backup if Local Now doesn’t fully cover your market [3]. Like Local Now, it’s free and surfaces local affiliates by location — sign in as a guest for the quickest experience.

Both apps share one common gap: ABC affiliates can be harder to find. If your local ABC station is a must-have, a paid option may serve you better.

Haystack News

Haystack News is a free third option worth considering, especially if it comes preloaded on your smart TV [4]. It has a smooth interface and will often detect a local channel automatically, but it tends to surface stations from outside your market alongside local ones. Treat it as a fallback rather than a first choice.

How Do I Set Up Local TV Apps on My Smart TV?

If you’ve relied on a set-top cable box for years, navigating your smart TV’s native interface might feel unfamiliar at first. Here’s a straightforward process that works across most platforms (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV):

1. Check your internet connection — Make sure your TV is online and your connection is fast enough for live streaming (more on speed below).
2. Switch to your smart TV input — Press the Input button on your remote until you reach your TV’s home screen or streaming device interface.
3. Find the app — Use your remote’s directional keys to browse the app store or pre-installed apps. Search for “Local Now," “NewsON," or “Haystack News."
4. Download and open the app.
5. Sign up or continue as a guest — most free apps let you skip account creation.
6. Enter your zip code to pull up local channels in your area.
7. Browse and enjoy — your local news is live and free.

Navigating with a standard TV remote instead of a cable company’s polished one can feel clunky at first, but you’re not doing anything wrong. It gets easier quickly.

What Options Should I Skip?

Not everything marketed as a local news solution actually delivers. A few approaches consistently disappoint:

• Your internet browser — Bookmarking your local station’s website is not a substitute for live broadcasts. Articles are edited for the web, published with delays, and don’t replicate the experience of live news in the background.
• Your smart TV’s built-in browser — Slow, clunky, and not worth the frustration. If you need to browse, use your phone or laptop instead.
• Pluto TV and Tubi — These free streaming platforms are fine for national news, but poor choices for local coverage. Local channels are only available in a handful of major markets like Chicago and New York, and even then you won’t have a choice of affiliates.

What Are My Paid Options for Live TV Streaming With Local Channels?

If free apps don’t fully meet your needs (or you want sports and entertainment alongside local news) live TV streaming with local channels is available from several services. Just go in with realistic expectations, as these can approach or exceed the cost of a traditional bundle.

YouTube TV local channels cover most major markets and include NBC, FOX, and CBS affiliates, which is the most comprehensive option but also one of the pricier ones. Hulu Live TV local news coverage is similarly broad and adds value if you already subscribe to Hulu on-demand. FuboTV is the strongest pick for sports households. Sling TV offers the lowest entry price, but CBS coverage is rare and availability varies by region.

Do I Have Fast Enough Internet to Stream Live TV?

Live TV streaming puts more consistent demand on your connection than on-demand services like Netflix. For a smooth experience, plan for at least 25 Mbps for a single stream, or 50 Mbps or more if others in your household are streaming, gaming, or on video calls simultaneously.

Finding the best internet providers in your area is the foundation of everything else in this guide. Internet prices and plan availability vary significantly by region. A quick internet comparison by zip code can surface faster or more affordable options you didn’t know existed. The best internet in your area might be better (and cheaper) than what you’re currently paying for. Enter your zip code to find the best internet in your area.

FAQs

Can I watch local news for free without cable or an antenna?

Yes. The Local Now app and NewsON app both offer free local news streaming with no cable subscription or antenna required. Download either app on a smart TV or streaming device, enter your zip code, and you’ll have access to local affiliates in most markets.

Which free app is best for watching local channels on a smart TV?

Local Now is generally the top pick. It detects local channels quickly, supports all major streaming platforms (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV), and requires no account to get started. NewsON is a close second and worth trying if Local Now doesn’t carry all your local affiliates.

Is live TV streaming actually cheaper than a cable bundle?

It depends. Free apps like Local Now and NewsON cost nothing. But paid services like YouTube TV ($82.99/month) and Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month) can match or exceed basic cable costs. The real savings come from pairing free apps with a standalone internet plan.

How much internet speed do I need to stream local news live?

Plan for at least 25 Mbps for a single HD live stream, or 50 Mbps or more if multiple devices are active simultaneously. Use a zip code tool to compare internet plans in your area and confirm your current plan supports live streaming.

Sources

[1] Pew Research Center. “Local TV News Fact Sheet.”

[2] Local Now. “Homepage.”

[3] NewsON. “Homepage.”

[4] Haystack News. “Homepage.”

[5] YouTube TV. “Homepage.”

[6] Hulu. “Homepage.”

[7] Fubo TV. “Homepage.”

[8] Sling TV. “Homepage.”

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