How Can I Watch the News Without Cable?
What this helps with: Watching your local and national news for free, with an antenna or free apps.
You don’t need cable to keep up with the news. Here are free ways to watch. We list them in no particular order, and we don’t recommend any news outlet over another.
Option 1: An antenna for local news (free)
An antenna gets your local stations, like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS, with their local news, weather, and national news shows.
- See what you can get. Type fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps into your web browser. Enter your address. You’ll see a list of stations near you.
- Get an antenna. Indoor antennas are sold at most stores that sell TVs. The FCC says your antenna should get both VHF and UHF channels. If the map says your signals are weak, an outdoor antenna works better.
- Plug it in. Connect the antenna cable to the port on the back of your TV marked ANT IN or Antenna.
- Scan for channels. Press Menu or Settings on your remote. Look for Channels, then Channel scan or Auto program. Your TV will find the stations.
- Move it if needed. Moving the antenna a few inches, higher, or near a window can help. Scan again after you move it.
Tip: Scan again every few months. Stations sometimes change, and the FCC suggests rescanning to keep your list up to date.
Option 2: Free news apps
These free streaming channels show news all day. You can watch them in their own apps, on a website, or in free apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel.
- ABC News Live
- CBS News 24/7
- LiveNOW from FOX
- NBC News NOW
- PBS (the free PBS app, plus your local PBS station)
- C-SPAN (live from Congress, at c-span.org)
Good to know: These are the networks’ streaming channels. They’re not always the same as the regular evening news on your local channel. For your local station’s news, use an antenna, or look for the station’s own free app.
Option 3: Your local station’s app
Many local TV stations have a free app with live newscasts and weather.
- Open the app store on your phone or TV.
- Search for your station’s name, like WABC or KCRA (use your own station’s letters).
- Check that the app is made by the station before you install it.
To add apps to your TV, see How to Watch Shows on a Streaming TV App.
Turn on captions
Captions show the words on screen. On most TVs, press Menu or Settings, then look for Accessibility or Captions. In apps, look for a CC button while a show plays. See How Do I Use My Smart TV Remote?
Stay safe
- Watch out for fake news videos and ads. Get news from outlets you know, and check big stories with more than one source.
- Never pay to “unlock” free channels. Antenna channels and these news apps are free.
Official sources
- FCC: DTV reception maps
- FCC: Antennas and digital television
- FCC: Remember to rescan
- NBC News: Where can I watch NBC News NOW?
- C-SPAN: c-span.org
- PBS: pbs.org
Last checked: Oct 20, 2026
This is general help, not personalized tech support. We list news sources in no particular order and don’t endorse any of them. Antenna channels are for the US; outside the US, many countries also have free over-the-air TV, so ask a local TV shop.