BBC News Channel Arrives on Free Streaming Platforms Pluto, Sling Freestream, Xumo, More

Since the dawn of the cord-cutting movement, sports and news have been the two pillars of the pay-TV bundle that have kept consumers tethered to the traditional way of watching television. However, with sports slowly and surely migrating to streaming, and its fans following, news is now also beginning to make that transition. The latest example comes from the BBC Studios-owned BBC News is now streaming on free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms.

Key Details:

• The BBC News channel is now available on a number of FAST platforms in the U.S.
• The channel broadcasts live news coverage around the clock from the U.S., U.K., and Singapore.
• This is the latest move in news’ migration to streaming following the launch of CNN on Max.

The channel has long been available from traditional pay-TV distributors, but it will soon be available to stream on Sling Freestream, Pluto, Xumo Play, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, and VIZIO WatchFree+, with other FAST partners to be announced in the future. The channel will feature a live, around-the-clock broadcast highlighting the latest breaking news stories, as well as “moments of global significance.”

“This is a significant milestone for the BBC as this launch will more than double the current reach and availability of the BBC News channel in the U.S. at a time when access to independent news and information is more important than ever,” BBC Studios chief commercial officer for global and streaming Tara Maitra said. “We’re proud to launch this channel with the support of so many leading partners as we continue to expand the footprint of BBC News and bring the BBC’s journalism to wider audiences in the region.”

The BBC News channel broadcasts will originate from the United Kingdom, United States, and Singapore featuring shows “Verified Live,” “BBC News America,” “Influential with Katty Kay,” and “World Business Report.”

In the U.S., BBC programming is distributed by AMC Networks. The two companies are partners in the BBC America joint venture, and AMC also handles the BBC’s ad sales in the U.S. as well.

“What a profoundly meaningful addition to the rapidly growing CTV/FAST space, at a time when access to authoritative and impartial news could never be more important,” AMC’s chief commercial officer Kim Kelleher said. “The BBC is one of the largest, most trusted and comprehensive news-gathering organizations in the world. The arrival of BBC News as a live, 24-hour channel on these free platforms is a landmark moment for global news, our partner platforms and the entire FAST distribution ecosystem.”

What Other News Programs Are Available on Streaming?

Perhaps the buzziest recent move in streaming news is the fact that last fall, Warner Bros. Discovery launched CNN on Max which was a 24-hours-per-day hub that combined streaming-exclusive original broadcasts with the best of the CNN cable channel. Over on Peacock, NBCUniversal attempted to capitalize on the streaming success of [NBC News NOW] with the creation of a morning news hub. The collection featured live, streaming versions of two of the brand’s most popular morning shows “Morning Joe” and “Squawk Box.” However, after 10 months, the live broadcasts stopped airing on Peacock in January; however, on-demand versions remain on the streamer.

Both Fox News and MSNBC also have limited relationships with their corporate sibling streaming services. While no cable news shows from those networks currently stream on Fox Nation or Peacock respectively, the day following their initial broadcasts, primetime programming is available on-demand.

Where Else Could the BBC News FAST Channel Eventually Stream?

This is the second substantial move that BBC Studios has made in the U.S. in March. Earlier this month, it was reported that the commercial arm of the venerated British public broadcaster would purchase the outstanding 50% of its joint venture with ITV, BritBox International. That means that BBC Studios will now have complete control of the streaming service in the U.S. BritBox International is estimated to have approximately 3.75 million customers, and it would not be out of the realm of possibilities for the streamer to eventually incorporate the BBC News feed into the service’s offerings.

As most FAST platforms regularly share channels, it would make sense if other leading services like Tubi and Freevee also ended up being a home to the BBC News Channel. It would also not be a complete surprise if it ended up on Max as well. Last fall, AMC Networks partnered with the WBD streamer to make seven AMC and AMC+ series available for a limited time. While Max has its own CNN news hub, the opportunity to combine two of the largest global news brands on one streamer, might be beneficial for both companies.