Gone are the days when you needed a bulky cable subscription to stay updated with your community․ Today, as of May 26, 2026, smart TVs offer a vast ecosystem of tools to access local news, weather, and sports․ Here is your guide to getting connected․
Table of contents
Free Streaming Apps
You don’t need a monthly bill to access local broadcasts․ Several dedicated platforms aggregate local news feeds from across the country:
- NewsON: A premier choice for local news clips and live broadcasts from hundreds of local stations․
- Local Now: Provides localized news, weather, and traffic updates tailored to your specific region․
- Zeam: A growing platform specifically focused on delivering local TV content directly to streaming devices․
- The Roku Channel: If you use a Roku TV or device, this channel includes a dedicated live news section that often carries local feeds․
Cable Replacement Services
If you want the full “traditional” experience—including major network affiliates like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX—subscription services are the gold standard․ These services mirror your old cable lineup but via the internet:
- YouTube TV: Highly popular for its unlimited DVR and robust local channel support․
- Hulu + Live TV: Bundles live local channels with a massive on-demand library․
Use an Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best․ By connecting an HD digital antenna to your smart TV’s coaxial input, you can pull in uncompressed, high-definition signals from local broadcast towers for free․
If you want to integrate antenna signals into your smart home network, consider an AirTV Anywhere․ This device takes your antenna signal and broadcasts it over your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to watch local channels through an app on any smart TV or mobile device in the house․
Channel-Specific Apps
Many local news stations have developed their own standalone apps․ Simply open your TV’s App Store (Google Play, Roku Channel Store, or Samsung Tizen), search for your local station’s call sign (e․g․, “WNBC” or “KCAL”), and download it․ These apps often provide live streaming, archived segments, and hyper-local weather alerts․
Cutting the cord no longer means losing your local connection․ Whether you prefer the zero-cost reliability of a digital antenna or the convenience of a streaming app, there is a method for every viewer․ Start by checking your TV’s app store today to see which local stations are already available at your fingertips․
