Best Ways to Watch Local Channels on a Smart TV (Free & Paid Options)
Watch your favorite local stations without an antenna or cable
Even though you can watch almost anything on Netflix, MAX, and Hulu, your streaming subscriptions don't usually offer local TV channels. But what if you have a smart TV and want to catch some local, over-the-air programming? Even if you don't have an antenna, there are still easy ways to get local channels on your smart TV. Read on to learn about our favorite options.
Without an antenna, you can watch local news and weather channels free through NewsON, Local Now, The Roku Channel, Zeam, or the channel's own app. Subscribe to a cable replacement service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for even more local channels.
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NewsON. Watch local news channels on nearly any smart TV or streaming device with the free NewsON app. You can check out the channel list at https://corporate.newson.us/newson-channel-list/. Search your TV app store for "NewsON" to get started.
HaystackNews. This free news app is available in nearly all smart TV app stores, including on Fire TV, Roku, LG, Hisense, Android, and Sony TVs. Once you download the app, create an account and select Local News to discover what's happening in your area. You can also tune in using a web browser at https://www.haystack.tv/localnews.
Local Now. Watch local news and weather on your Fire TV, Roku TV, Apple TV, or Android/Google TV by installing the Local Now app from your app store.[1] In addition to local news, you can also watch free movies and TV shows from their large library.
The Roku Channel. If you have a Roku TV or streaming device and live in a major metropolitan area, you can watch local news and weather from FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC without installing any apps. Just select the Live TV tile on your home screen, or open The Roku Channel, press the Left button on your remote, and select Live TV.[2]
Zeam. The Zeam app, available on Android/Google TV, Roku TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV, offers local news channels from many areas, even small towns, and gives you the option to watch local news from regions other than your own.
Channel-specific apps. Search your smart TV's app store for your favorite channel. Many channels offer smart TV apps that allow you to watch live programming without an antenna. You can download apps from major broadcasters like CBS, NBC, and PBS, as well as smaller local channels exclusive to your area.
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