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How To Watch Local Tv Channels On Roku Devices Slashgear

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how to watch local tv channels on roku devices slashgear

Roku was an important company in the earliest days of cord-cutting, back when that phrase wasn't even widely used for internet-savvy users eschewing cable TV for streaming. In 2007, when Netflix was still primarily DVD-based and its nascent streaming service was limited to computer screens, Roku launched the first device specifically made for streaming Netflix to a TV. Soon after, streaming dominated television, and the number of cord-cutters expanded. However, it wasn't too long before many people realized they also kind of missed the live TV options they had from cable and traditional broadcast networks. Local TV was especially missed because it offered the kind of specific regional content (like news and weather) that you couldn't get from Netflix or HBO. To satisfy consumer demands, companies began offering more and more live-streaming options.

Roku, which to this day still makes one of the best streaming devices, is now a completely viable way to watch local TV. There are several ways to watch local TV on Roku, and fortunately none of them are all that complicated. There are major streaming apps you can subscribe to, like YouTube TV and Sling TV, that focus on providing live content. There are also specific apps for local news and weather, as well as live-content apps that offer hundreds of channels without a subscription. You can even connect your Roku to an antenna and receive broadcast signals the old-fashioned way (well, sort of). One of the benefits of having a Roku device is that it grants you access to nearly every major streaming app available.

That includes the services that focus primarily on live TV, like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Philo TV, as well as hybrid apps that offer live TV and DVR options with streaming, like Hulu... You can easily download these apps from the Roku Channel Store on your device. In addition to offering dozens of popular networks and DVR capabilities, these services typically include local TV channels based on your account's location. These services are also great for watching sports — one of the main draws of live TV — often having local games available, as well as premium packages to stream even more matches. In 2024, the top four most watched networks were ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. One of the main things watched on them was local news.

This often means one of the most common questions we get is how you can watch local channels for free without paying for cable TV. There are many options, from free services to paid options. Today, we are going to break down how to watch local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC free on Roku players and Roku TVs. Recently how to watch local news for free changed in the US now that NewsON was sold to Zeam. Today we are going to show you how to watch local news for free both with an antenna or streaming online. For most Americans, an antenna will give you free access to local channels.

This means you can watch your local news but also Primetime and daytime content for free from your local TV stations. Reception varies depending on where you live, but for most Americans, a one-time cost of an antenna will help you get free TV for life. You can use a site like Antennaweb to see what channels are free in your area. You can also use a device like an HDHomeRun or a Tablo DVR to stream your antenna to all of the Roku players in your house. How can you watch ABC CBS free if u have roku and philio One of the things I did to cut costs was to drop my cable subscription down to their streaming service which only costs me about 15.00/month.

I still can bundle it – but doing so cut my bill by a little more than half. I can get a ton of stations – i.e WE, Sundance, LMN, Hallmark, ID, Food Network, Hunting and fishing shows, and a host of many more channels. Alas, I still can’t access local channels but we do have a small OTA outside, although it only picks up CBS stations. Get the Limited Time Black Friday VPN Deal. Upto 58% OFF on OysterVPN packages plus free months and perks you can only unlock now. For many, Roku has become an essential streaming device, offering access to numerous entertainment options without the need for a traditional cable subscription.

However, one common concern among users is how to watch local channels on Roku. Whether you want to stay updated on regional news, sports, or community programs, there are several ways to access local channels through Roku. This guide will walk you through different solutions to ensure you never miss out on important local content. If you own a Roku TV, one of the easiest ways to access local channels is by connecting an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. This allows you to pick up free local broadcasts from major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS. To begin, plug a digital antenna into your Roku TV’s coaxial input.

Then, navigate to the settings menu and select “Live TV” or “Antenna TV.” The system will scan for available channels, which you can then watch directly from the Roku interface. Gone are the days when you could only watch TV by adjusting the "bunny ears" antenna to pick up your local stations. Now, with all the digital streaming services and subscriptions, it's easy to assume you can't get local TV anymore. While we may be able to use our smartphones to do quick checks of the local weather and traffic, some people still enjoy the experience of sitting down to watch their local news stations... The good news is that, if you have a Roku device, it is very easy to watch live, local TV. Roku is a TV streaming platform.

It has its own customized homescreen, apps, remote, and user experience. You can purchase a TV that already has Roku built into it; you'll be able to identify these televisions easily,because they will be clearly labeled as a Roku TV. You can also buy Roku players that plug into your existing TV via an HDMI port, and you use the Roku remote to stream channels. Roku offers a few ways to watch live, local TV. You can watch through their Roku Channel, but that is only best if you live near a major metropolitan area. You can download an app from their Streaming Store and enter your zip code, which gives you a better chance at finding local channels.

Or you can purchase a digital antenna and connect it to your Roku TV. The Roku Channel has free streaming TV channels as well as over 60 local news stations from names like CBS, ABC, and NBC. However, the focus is on major metropolitan areas like Chicago or New York. Use the Local News Near You row under the Live TV tab to easily browse news across the country. This will automatically offer the closest major city to your location. The benefit of this is that the Roku Channel automatically comes with the device, so there are no extra steps.

However, locations are limited. The Roku TV streaming store offers better customization. Go to the streaming store to download free apps like NewsON or Haystack News, and enter your zip code to get local news channels. However, there is a chance your closest news station may not be in their network. For context, NewsON has 285+ local news stations. If you live in a very rural area, that could be a problem.

So while this has a better chance than the Roku Channel at finding news near you, there are still limits. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene has been writing and editing tech content at wikiHow since 2019. She previously worked for AppleCare, served as a writing tutor, volunteered in IT at an animal rescue, and taught as an adjunct professor for EN101 and EN102. Darlene has completed Coursera courses on technology, writing, and language. She holds both a BA (2011) and an MA (2012) from Rowan University in Writing, with a focus on workplace communication.

With her extensive experience, academic background, and ongoing learning, Darlene has become the go-to grammar expert for her friends and family, as well as a skilled wordsmith for anyone in need. This article has been viewed 114,402 times. Learn more... This wikiHow teaches you how to get local channels on your Roku by either using NewsOn, Haystack, Local Now, and the Roku Channel Store. You can also get local channels by signing up for Hulu+ or CBS All Access. 1.

Turn on your Roku and TV. 2. Navigate to Streaming Channels and Channel Store. 3. Browse the "Local" and "News & Weather" categories. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Explore easy ways to stream nearby stations and stay connected without adding another subscription Phynart Studio / iStock / Getty Images Plus This article explains how to get local channels on Roku. It includes a range of free to affordable solutions for those who have cut the cord. You can use Roku streaming devices with televisions from a variety of manufacturers, including, but not limited to, those made by LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and Vizio. The best place to find local channels on the Roku platform is through the Roku Channel Store.

Despite the name, channels function like apps; you can pick any you want and add them to your home screen. So none of these answer my question. I have dish on my tv in LR and I have a roku tv in BR can I just set up roku via wifi? If you have cut the cord and bought a Roku device, you can still access your local TV networks. Here's how to watch local channels on Roku for free! Most importantly, due to licensing and distribution deals, the local TV channels you watch through your Roku are not necessarily identical to those you'd receive through cable TV or an OTA antenna.

The issue is especially prevalent when it comes to news and movies. Luckily, there are lots of other ways to watch news broadcasts online, while a Netflix subscription will offer all the movies you could possibly want. If you want to know how to stream local channels on Roku, your first port of call should be the official Roku Channel Store. Here, you will be able to find both network-affiliated and third-party options. Today, the store offers more than 100 free local news channels, including News 12, WSB Now Channel 2 Atlanta, WBRC FOX 6 News, WTVF NewsChannel 5 Nashville, Boston 25, FOX13 Memphis Now, WPXI Channel...

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