News enthusiasts are in for a treat, as there are so many apps that will allow you to stream local news for free.
And since there are many options out there, it can be hard to tell which best fits your needs.
When picking an app, it’s important to consider the features that you need, the channels you want to watch, and what works with your lifestyle.
If you’re still at a loss, don’t worry! We’ll give you a rundown of some of the best apps for streaming local news for free and discuss:
- The platforms where these apps are available
- What else you can expect aside from local news.
Let’s dive right in!
Contents
1. NewsON
NewsON is another app for streaming news — specifically local news! It’s available on a variety of platforms, such as your web browser, Android phones, iPhones, Roku TV, and Samsung TV.
As an app fully dedicated to news, NewsON focuses more on live broadcasts. There’s also an option for watching previous newscasts and even news clips.
One of NewsON’s highlights is its comprehensive library of channels across 46 states in the US. If you’re on the go but still like to be kept updated on all the latest in your home state, NewsON is a great option.
Aside from letting you find stations by location, this app also allows you to save your favorite local stations. Uniquely, you don’t even need to log in to use the service!
This simplicity and focus on local news make NewsON the ideal choice if local news is all you’re interested in.
2. Local Now
Local Now is a platform focused on local news, with a news stream catered for each town it can offer. At present, Local Now supports localized news streams for 220 US cities, but the platform adds more from time to time.
This free app is available for web streaming and also has dedicated apps for Android devices and iPhones.
Local Now also offers weather forecasts from The Weather Channel, including live severe weather coverage. This is especially useful if you live in an area prone to heavy weather.
While Local Now’s main focus is its news stream for each location, the platform actually offers so much more. There are also a number of movies and TV shows you can explore, some of which feature acclaimed actors.
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is an all-purpose streaming platform that offers not only news channels, but also movies and TV shows. This free streaming TV service is available on a whole range of platforms such as phones, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
While it’s a good choice if you want an all-in-one app for your streaming needs, you do have to know what you’re looking for.
That’s because you’ll need to search for the channel you’re interested in on the list of Pluto TV’s free local news channels.
As for options — you’ll have plenty! With over 100 free TV channels and thousands of free movies, you can catch content whenever and wherever. These staggering options alone are impressive for a free service.
4. Haystack News
Haystack News is an app for streaming news that is available on a number of platforms including Android phones, iPhones, web browsers, and smart TVs.
It’s a reliable app for streaming local and global news, and even allows you to watch the live local news on certain channels.
Haystack News’ main feature is the personalized playlist of news clips it creates for you. These clips are based on your interests and location; a compilation channel made just for you!
The app also prioritizes clips that match your interests. For example, if you tend to following what’s going on in your area a lot, you’ll be recommended more clips of local news.
While you can stream on Haystack News for free, note that there will be ads. Upgrading to a premium subscription will remove those ads for an uninterrupted viewing experience.
5. Stirr
Stirr is a streaming app available on mobile streaming platforms and smart TVs. This app is focused on local stations with its live local news and 120+ TV channels, but it also offers TV shows and on-demand movies.
Because it emphasizes local stations, Stirr is another no-nonsense option for those who want to keep up with local news.
The experience on the app is similar to watching the news on traditional cable television, just with some added bonuses.
It’s admittedly a little more basic than other apps offering a similar range of content. However, its balance of content and simplicity might just be what you’re looking for!
6. ABC News
ABC News, the news arm of the media company ABC, also has an app that lets you watch its various local and national news channels anytime, anywhere. The ABC News app is only available for Android and iPhones, so it’s a suitable option for watching the news while you’re on the go.
This app offers live streaming, clips, and past broadcasts and aims to quickly inform you of breaking news.
Podcasts and personalized clippings are also available, so you can explore more and stay on top of the topics that matter to you.
Since ABC News is a major news company, it has resources for sourcing news from around the world. However, this does mean that it’s less focused on local news compared to other options.
7. CBS News
The CBS News app is the dedicated software for the CBS broadcasting network. It’s available on different platforms — Android phones, iPhones, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles such as Xbox One and PlayStation.
You can use this platform to watch clips, live streams, and past broadcasts. On top of the standard news, the CBS News app also gives you access to exclusive reports, on-demand shows, and even local news.
Unfortunately, CBS News doesn’t have local news for all locations. Its local news only covers limited areas, which include the Bay Area, Chicago, Minnesota, New York, and Texas.
Even if your area isn’t covered, you’ll still have access to a range of national news, weather updates, and more.
8. FOX LOCAL: Live News
FOX LOCAL is Fox TV’s dedicated app that lets you stream live news broadcasts from local FOX stations around the country. This app is presently available on Android phones, iPhones, and smart TVs.
According to its website, FOX LOCAL already covers the local channels in Atlanta, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. Local news coverage for other cities is in the works as well.
Because of its currently limited coverage, this app might not be the best for some people.
However, if you live in the right city and have the right device, it offers an experience that’s just like cable!
9. NBC News
From another major broadcast company, the NBC News app offers live coverage, clips, and past broadcasts of its shows; live audio is also available. The app is available for Android and iPhone, which is great for those frequently on the move.
This app delivers a wide range of NBC news for different audiences, so it’s not as focused on local news. However, it still has plenty of features as a news app that may make it just as appealing.
If you’re particularly a fan of NBC shows, their level of reporting and journalism, and more, then this app will be a great fit for you.