All you need is an Internet subscription and a streaming device or Smart TV. You can get local channels and cable networks like ESPN and CNN. Hulu + Live TV is a great option if you want a combination of live content from local channels and on-demand content that's ready to be played at any time. With this paid Hulu plan, there are more than 75 live national TV channels for you to explore, as well as local and regional channels close to home.
YouTube offers many subscription services on its platform, including YouTube Premium and YouTube TV. But if you want to replace your cable bill with something a little cheaper, YouTube TV is a great option. You'll have access to local subsidiaries of major networks, such as ABC, FOX, CBS and NBC. Although coverage is limited when it comes to local subsidiaries of The CW and Telemundo, they are still available on the platform.
DirecTV Stream is a good mix of local, national channels and on-demand content. This is because the companies that own those networks also own many other popular cable channels and expect you to pay for all of them. The live TV streaming service that offers you the most local channels is YouTube TV, thanks to the inclusion of PBS and PBS Kids. To see what local channels are available in your specific area, DirecTV has a search tool on its channel listing page.
If you live in an urban or suburban environment, the easiest method to maintain access to your local channels may be the one-time purchase of an indoor antenna. Antennas are relatively cost-effective and provide free access to local channels broadcasting in your area. And of course, in addition to your local CBS channels, you can also watch the rest of the incredible content offered by Paramount+, such as series and movies from Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and more. Even so, most of these networks only offer live local channel broadcasts as part of a larger pay-TV package.
If you can't find your local news programs with these options, try visiting your local radio station's websites or searching for them on YouTube, where you can find short news clips or even live news programs. If all else fails, you can always switch to a live TV streaming service, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or DirecTV Stream, all of which stream local channels without any obstacles. One of the most common questions that potential cable cutters ask me is whether they can stream local network channels without paying for a large cable TV package (for example), but what if the local channels that used to broadcast on cable are lost? Fortunately, for those who still want to keep up with local news, weather updates and sports, some streaming services allow them to easily access local channels. Similarly, if you have a cable TV subscription, you can stream local channels using your provider's app on your phone or tablet.
This means you could miss your favorite shows on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, PBS, Telemundo and others, not to mention local news and sports programming. My last suggestion for accessing the content of local channels without cable is to simply go directly to the source on the Internet. Watching local news channels without cable is where things get complicated, because major networks don't offer live broadcasts of their local stations without a full pay-TV package.
