Live, local news is still an incredibly important source of information for millions of Americans. Having access to local news can be critical during natural disasters or weather emergencies, providing potentially life-saving updates during moments of crisis.

Local news is also many people’s first stop to learn more about what’s going on in their locality, be it political changes, major public events, or just human interest stories that give the viewer a greater sense of community. Even in an age where seemingly all media is digitizing at the speed of light, live news on local broadcast channels is still a huge part of many people’s day.

Audiences can most often find local news broadcasts on affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS, but you don’t need a cable plan to watch these channels. If you’ve moved on from pay-TV or are just looking for a beginner’s guide on how to access local channels without a cable subscription, we’ll explain all the details you need to know below!

Everything you need to know about watching live local news without cable

How to watch local news with live TV streaming services

If you enjoyed the overall experience of cable, but don’t want to bother with bulky equipment and uncertain maintenance appointments any longer, you can switch to a live TV streaming service that allows you to watch broadcast and cable channels through your internet connection. Live TV streaming services let you stream it all through your smart TV or connected streaming device, including live local news.

But which live TV streamers offer the best access to local news? We’ll run through the top live TV streaming services with access to local news channels below, explain which is which, and help you decide which is the best fit for your viewing needs.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV offers wide access to local broadcast channels. Viewers can stream ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS in every DIRECTV Signature channel package, starting with the ENTERTAINMENT package costing $90 per month for 90+ channels. Every Signature package blends news, sports, and entertainment networks, and the higher-priced plan you pick, the more channels you’ll get!

You can also watch ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC (but not PBS) in DIRECTV’s MyNews Genre Pack. This package comes with only 10+ channels, including local channels and popular cable news networks, for $45 per month. If you don’t need sustained access to cable news and entertainment networks, you can opt for the MyNews package and save! The MySports Genre Pack also has these four channels, and though it’s more focused on offering access to live sporting events and shoulder coverage, it’s a good way to get access to local news as well. Customers can also bundle MyNews with the MySports Genre Pack for a total of $80 per month.

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

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Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

Fubo

Fubo doesn’t offer access to PBS in any market, but it does carry ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC widely. The channels are all available in Fubo’s Pro and Elite plans, costing $89 and $99 per month before taxes and fees, respectively. Fubo often rotates a larger channel package called the Deluxe plan into its offerings, and this plan carries the big four broadcast channels as well.

A slimmed-down channel package of 20+ sports and news channels called Fubo Sports also carries ABC, CBS, and Fox, but not NBC. It still includes some local news access, however, and checks in at a starting price of just $65 per month — much lower than its larger channel plans.

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Fubo

Fubo is a live TV streaming service offering a robust lineup of approximately 150 premier channels, with plans starting at $63.99 per month. This entry-level package provides access to local broadcast affiliates 18 of the leading 35 cable channels channels, and valuable regional sports networks (RSNs).

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For many other sports enthusiasts, particularly those who prioritize access to local sports broadcasts, Fubo is a compelling choice in our view. Featuring FanDuel Sports RSNs in its channel lineup, Fubo stands out as the most budget-friendly option for RSN access across numerous markets, including Altitude, AT&T Sports, Fox Sports, Marquee, MSG, NBC Sports, and NESN. (Explore the comprehensive list of Fubo’s sports channels.) Fubo recently launched an add-on to their sports package, allowing subscribers access to local RSNs as well.

In September 2025, Fubo also launched its Sports package for $45.99 per month, featuring a variety of sports-oriented channels including ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates (in select markets) as well as ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fubo Sports Network, ION, NFL Network, SEC Network and Tennis Channel.

Fubo further enriches its sports offerings by including MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NFL RedZone , NHL Network and beIN Sports (a channel not commonly found on competing services). For expanded soccer coverage, you can opt for Fox Soccer Plus via the International Sports Plus add-on for an additional $7/month.

Additionally, you have the option to enhance your channel variety with the Fubo Extra ($8), which incorporates approximately ~38 channels more channels, featuring popular selections like GSN.

Free Trial

$63.99+ / month

fubo.tv

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV carries ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS in its sole channel package, which comes with 90+ channels for $90 per month. That price also includes ad-supported subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu, plus the ability to log into the ESPN app and stream ESPN Unlimited content.

Although Hulu + Live TV doesn’t include any genre packs that offer access to local channels for a lower rate, it does bundle some high-demand streaming services in with its channel package, offering good value even if the $90 monthly sticker price is a little higher.

Save with Sling

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Sling TV

Sling TV is The Streamable’s choice for cord-cutters on a budget. Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $45.99/month Sling Orange plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $45.99/month Sling Blue plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.

You can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $60.99 / month. Sling also offers many channel add-on packages starting at $6/month.

Save with Sling

$19.99+ / month

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Sling TV

Sling TV has more restrictions than the other live TV streamers on this list when it comes to watching live news on local broadcast channels. The service doesn’t carry CBS or PBS anywhere, and only offers ABC, Fox, and NBC in a small number of markets each — typically the largest cities in the country.

Viewers who do have access to local channels with their Sling subscription can watch in the streamer’s Blue plan, which starts at $46 per month for 40+ news, entertainment, and sports channels, including Bravo, CNN, FX, Fox News, MS NOW, truTV, and more. Sling Select, with 10+ channels such as FS1 and NFL Network, also carries locals in applicable markets and starts at $20 per month. Viewers can also combine Sling Blue with the channels in the Sling Orange package (including ESPN) starting at $65 per month.

Keep in mind when considering Sling TV: if you get one or two local channels in your market with Sling, you’ll have to pay a $5 monthly surcharge on top of your regular subscription rate. If you get all three broadcast channels offered by Sling, the fee jumps to $10. See the markets in which Sling TV offers local channels below!

Save with Sling

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Sling TV

Sling TV is The Streamable’s choice for cord-cutters on a budget. Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $45.99/month Sling Orange plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $45.99/month Sling Blue plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.

You can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $60.99 / month. Sling also offers many channel add-on packages starting at $6/month.

Save with Sling

$19.99+ / month

sling.com

YouTube TV

YouTube TV includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS in its core channel package, which costs $83 per month for 100+ channels. This plan is the all-in-one variety that provides news, entertainment, and sports networks all in the same package.

Viewers can also watch ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS in various YouTube TV Genre Plans. Like DIRECTV’s Genre Packs, these plans offer a lower channel count and a lower price. YouTube TV provides local channel access in more Genre Plans than DIRECTV does, however. See the chart below to learn more about which YouTube TV Genre Plans have local channels.

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YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.

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Sports are a major focus for YouTube TV, with access to national and regional coverage, league networks, and marquee events. The service also serves as the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, available as an add-on, giving fans access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. YouTube TV also offers a smaller sports plan, allowing subscribers access to 30+ sports-oriented channels, including local networks in select markets.

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, allowing subscribers to record as many shows as they want and keep recordings for up to nine months. The service is available across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, mobile devices, and web browsers. New subscribers can typically start with a free trial, though the trial length may vary by promotion.

With its broad channel lineup, strong sports offerings, unlimited DVR, and wide device support, YouTube TV remains one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services for viewers who want a traditional TV experience without a cable contract.

Free Trial

$82.99+ / month

tv.youtube.com

New customers can save $15 per month for 5 months.

How to watch local news with on-demand streaming services

Once reserved exclusively for on-demand content, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming services across the industry have begun offering live programming, as well. Streamers like Paramount+ and Peacock, which are owned by companies that also own local broadcast channels that are frequently used to watch live news, have even given viewers an option to stream those channel affiliates live.

Which streamers offer local broadcast channel content? We’ll explain everything you need to know!

Disney+

Disney+ now offers live local newscasts, breaking updates, weather, and community coverage from eight owned-and-operated ABC stations: WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, and KFSN-TV Fresno.

Viewers won’t be able to access a full live network broadcast of ABC from Disney+, unfortunately. But they will be able to see the local news content described above, and can watch it even if they don’t live in the areas where these stations broadcast. They are available on all Disney+ plans, starting with the Basic plan at $12 per month.

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Disney+

Disney+ is a video streaming service with over 13,000 series and films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, The Muppets, and more. It is available in 61 countries and 21 languages. It is notable for its popular original series like “The Mandalorian,” “Ms. Marvel,” “Loki,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” and “Andor.”

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Disney+ has several plans with or without ads. Disney+ Basic with Ads costs $11.99 / month. If you don’t want ads, you can choose Disney+ Premium with No Ads, which costs $19.99 / month.

The Premium plan also offers an annual option for $189.99 / year ($15.83/mo.).

If you’d like to add Hulu, you can bundle the two services as well, but Disney+ is also continuing to integrate the two, which will soon be an all-in-one offering.

Sports fans can also bundle ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited, with or without ads.

Disney+ most recently raised prices on September 23, 2026 — the fourth time in as many years.

The app supports unlimited downloads (on their Premium Plans), four simultaneous streamers, up to 7 profiles, 4K streaming, and includes hundreds of avatars.

The service includes 25+ original series, 10+ original movies, 7,500 past episodes, 100 recent movies, and 400 library titles, including the entire Disney Vault.

You can see the full list of available Disney, Disney Channel, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, Nat Geo shows and movies, or all available Disney+ content by checking out our Disney+ streaming movie listings.

Sign Up

$11.99+ / month

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Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $16.99 a month ($14 savings).

Fox One

Fox One allows viewers to watch the Fox broadcast channel, including all local news programming, primetime content, and live sports. That makes its experience more comprehensive than that of Disney+, though it comes with a higher price.

A Fox One subscription will cost you $20 per month. Not only does it come with a full broadcast of your local Fox affiliate, but it also includes streams of Big Ten Network, FS1, FS2, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and Fox Weather.

Try free

foxone.com

Fox One

Launched August 21, 2025, Fox One is a direct-to-consumer streaming service from Fox Corporation. Billed as a “major digital initiative,” Fox One brings together the full range of Fox’s leading news, sports, and entertainment brands, offering live and on-demand access in one unified platform.

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For the first time, cord-cutters and cord-nevers can stream the complete FOX portfolio for $19.99 per month ($199.99 annually), including FOX News, FOX Business, FOX Weather, FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, BTN, FOX Deportes, local FOX stations, and the FOX broadcast network. Viewers also have the option to bundle FOX Nation content directly within the platform for $24.99 per month ($239.88 annually).

Fox One features a dynamic mix of programming, from popular FOX shows like “The Masked Singer,” “911: Lone Star,” and “Next Level Chef” to live coverage of major sporting events, breaking news, and in-depth business reporting. The platform leverages cutting-edge personalization technology, offering a seamless experience that adapts to individual viewing preferences and integrates live and on-demand content cohesively.

Fox was also the official home of the FIFA World Cup for 2026, covering all 104 matches throughout the tournament across Fox and FS1.

Fox One is accessible across all major streaming devices and smart TVs. More updates and details about the platform are available at fox.com/foxone.

With its premium Fox-branded content, advanced streaming technology, and flexible viewing options, Fox One is a major destination for fans of live news, sports, and entertainment.

Try free

$19.99+ / month

foxone.com

Paramount+

Paramount+ lets subscribers watch their local CBS station, including all news, sports, and entertainment programming on the channel — but only on one plan. The Paramount+ Premium plan, costing $13 per month or $130 per year, is the only one that includes live CBS access.

There are plenty of other benefits to a Paramount+ Premium subscription, as well. Customers get the streamer’s full library and the SHOWTIME library with a subscription, and the Premium plan streams ad-free, as well.

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Paramount Plus

Paramount+ is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 40,000+ TV show episodes from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and more. Get free access with a Walmart+ subscription.

Paramount+ includes “1883,” “Tulsa King,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and “PAW Patrol.” Subscribers can watch the NFL, college football, The Masters, college basketball, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Serie A, and NWSL. The service also offers the option to watch your live CBS affiliate. The upgraded ad-free package includes premium movies and shows from Showtime.

Sign Up

$8.99+ / month

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Peacock

Peacock’s access to NBC works a lot like Paramount+’s access to CBS. Viewers can watch a live stream of their local NBC station with Peacock, but only when subscribed to the service’s Premium Plus plan. This plan costs $17 per month, with an annual option for $170 per year.

The Premium Plus plan offers most titles in the Peacock library with no ads and also allows viewers to stream a large selection of live sports, such as NFL, NBA, and MLB games, college sports, English Premier League soccer, and more. If your local NBC station is your favorite way to watch local news, Peacock Premium Plus has the channel in all American markets.

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Peacock

Peacock is a subscription video streaming service from NBCUniversal that includes original shows, blockbuster movies, and classic television series. Peacock is home to “Yellowstone,” “The Office,” and original hits like “Poker Face” and “Bel-Air.” You can also watch live sports and NBC programming, including the NFL, MLB, WWE, the Olympics, the Premier League, NASCAR, the French Open, college football and basketball, and the PGA Tour. Premium Plus subscribers can stream their local NBC feed in all 210 markets.

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Peacock also includes news, entertainment, sports, late-night, and reality from various NBCU properties, including NBC, Bravo, and E!. Additionally, Peacock has exclusives like “Below Deck: Down Under.” They also include live and on-demand access to Hallmark channels.

The company has acquired the rights to many classic shows, including “Parks and Recreation” and the entire Dick Wolf library, which includes “Law & Order” and “Chicago Fire.”

Peacock features weekly Sunday night NFL games during the regular season, available on the Premium and Premium Plus plans.

Peacock again raised prices on August 18, 2026, with the cost of plans increasing to $8.99 for the Select, $12.99 for Premium, and $19.99 for Premium Plus.

The service also features blockbusters and critically acclaimed films from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, as well as content acquired from Hollywood’s biggest studios.

Sign Up

$8.99+ / month

peacocktv.com

Can you stream live local news for free?

ABC, CBS, Fox, Scripps, Sinclair, and other programmers offer localized free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels that deliver news programming and much more. These channels don’t offer exactly the same content as broadcast TV news programs, typically, but they can keep viewers up to date on key information.

There are a number of streaming services that offer access to news channels, and many will use your location to show you the most regionally relevant news programming automatically. To find news programming on free streaming services, check for a live channel guide, then a news channel filter.

The benefit of accessing local news through FAST channels is that doing so doesn’t require any kind of subscription fee, but again, the content viewers see there usually won’t be as localized as news broadcasts on local TV channels. Check out a list of streaming services that offer a good selection of news broadcast channels below:

How to watch live local news with an antenna

Finally, viewers who want to watch local broadcast channels but don’t want to pay for a subscription to get them can always watch them via an over-the-air antenna. These devices deliver broadcast channels and can even receive broadcasts from 50 miles away or more, depending on the antenna.

For a one-time purchase price, customers can pick up an over-the-air (OTA) antenna and get their local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS stations with no subscription fees. See our favorite antenna recommendations below, and follow links to shop for antennas from top electronics retailers.

Shop the Mohu Leaf

$60

Shop now

See the GE Outdoor Antenna

$39

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Check out the GE Portdable HD TV Antenna

$10.50

Buy now

• Shop antennas from Amazon.
• Shop antennas from Best Buy.
• Shop antennas from Target.
• Shop antennas from Walmart.

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