Nowadays, quite a large number of people use special devices for streaming. After all, everything is Internet-oriented, and cable television is gradually being abandoned. Many people no longer understand why they need cable TV when they can watch the same movies and shows of the best quality and at any time over the Internet.
One of these advanced devices is the Roku. It’s a device that streams media files (shows, movies, and even music) from the Internet to your TV. The devices require minimal setup and connect to the Internet just like your computer. Roku streaming devices include an operating system that allows users to access and manage streaming content on the Internet.
What if you’re used to watching cable but don’t have special wires in your house? The Roku streaming device offers you an alternative in the form of portals that give you access to the most interesting local content, including news, weather, sports, and more. So, here’s how to find local channels to watch on Roku.
How to watch official Roku local TV channels
If you want to watch local channels with Roku, the Channel Store is just what you need. In the Roku Channel Store, you’ll find more than 100 free local news channels available online. To see the list, go to “News & Weather” on your Roku device.
If you want to start searching for available channels, simply log into the Roku website with your browser. Scroll through the list of available channels and view detailed information. Some of these services are only available if you have a paid subscription, so you should find out before you click “Install”. You can also install your favorite channel directly from the website.
How to watch third-party channels on Roku
If your favorite local TV channels aren’t available on Roku or are no longer on the platform, you can choose one of the official third-party apps. You can easily find them in the Roku store. Here are some of the best third-party apps:
NewsOn
NewsOn offers more than 170 TV channels from 110+ cities and towns in the United States for free. You can search for affiliates by station or location and save your preferred local providers in the Favorites category. And with Live Stations, you’ll also be notified when certain affiliates go live with the latest local coverage.
CBS News
On this platform, you can watch local reports from nine local CBS channels, including the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and more. You can also watch additional clips and reports from popular CBS programs such as CBS This Morning, CBS Evening News, and 60 Minutes.
Haystack TV
Haystack TV creates a personalized feed of global and local news from more than 300 trusted sources. Within the channel, you can customize menus by topic, category, and vendor. What’s more, this service is free.
How to watch local channels on Roku using subscription-based live TV apps
If you are already subscribed to an app that offers live TV, chances are you can use it to watch local TV on your Roku device. There are some apps that stream local channels:
- CBS All Access. It streams local CBS stations in more than 200 markets. Watch live and on-demand content from the national broadcaster and local stations. Content also includes original CBS All Access broadcasts.
- YouTube TV. It streams local content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in select markets.
- Sling TV. It streams local content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in select markets.
- DirecTV Now. It allows you to watch local content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in select markets.
- Hulu + Live TV. It streams local content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in select markets.
- PlayStation Vue. It allows you to watch local content from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in select markets.
Connecting an HDTV antenna to a Roku TV is another way to receive local and national channels. Follow the instructions on the TV screen to set up terrestrial TV through the Roku.
