How To Watch Local Channels On Roku? (7 Easy Methods To Try!)

Do you have the cord cut? You still have access to regional TV networks! Here’s how you can access free local TV channels on Roku.

You can still view your local TV networks if you cut the cord and buy a Roku device. Here’s how to watch local channels on Roku.

The Cons of Watching Local TV on Roku

Most crucially, the local TV channels you view on your Roku may sometimes be different from those you would receive with cable TV or an OTA antenna due to various licensing and distribution agreements.

When it comes to news and movies, the problem is particularly pervasive. Fortunately, there are many other methods to watch news online, and a Netflix subscription will provide you access to all the movies you could ever want.

1. Official Local TV Channels On Roku

The official Roku Channel Store should be your first stop if you want to learn how to broadcast local channels on Roku. Both network-affiliated and third-party choices can be found here.

More than 100 free local news channels are available in the store, including WSB-TV Channel 2, News 12, WBRC FOX 6 News, WTVF News Channel 5, Boston 25, FOX13 Memphis News, WPXI Channel 11 News, and KGTV 10 News San Diego.

Go to the News and Weather area of the Roku Channel Store, either online or on your Roku device, for the easiest method to browse the free local channels.

2. Roku Third-Party Local Channels

You still have a few options if your neighborhood TV stations need their own Roku app. The first is to look into outside apps. There are two that merit careful thought.

NewsON

Here at MUO, we’ve talked about NewsON numerous times. Five of the most giant US TV station conglomerates—ABC, Cox Media Group, Hearst Television, Media General, and Raycom Media—have collaborated on the initiative. Several other station groups have also joined the ship after launch.

As a result, NewsON currently freely offers more than 170 TV stations from more than 110 American towns and cities. According to its literature, nearly 85% of US citizens currently have access to at least one local channel.

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TV Haystack

Haystack TV is another of our favorites. For cord-cutters who want to see the national and local news, it’s their best alternative.

Haystack TV has affiliations with more than 150 regional news stations from the perspective of local TV. NBC Nebraska, CBS Nebraska, CBS Los Angeles KCAL, CBS Pittsburgh KDKA, CBS Chicago WBBM, CBS New York WCBS, CBS Boston WBZ, CBS San Francisco KPIX, and many others.

Haystack can be altered. To show you the material you’re interested in, it gets to know you better the more you view it.

Make sure to look at Haystack Spotlight as well. It is a channel for long-form material, including documentaries. It is a nice change of pace from the news and comedy you probably watch most of the time.

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3. Roku’s Local Private Channels

Adding private channels is one of Roku’s most excellent features. They are apps made by independent developers and amateurs that are not listed in the official app store.

Try a lot of fantastic private channels on Roku. You can locate a private channel for your region if you look around a little. Before adding private channels to your Roku player, ensure you have the right to access the material.

4. Roku’s Major Network Apps

You may download the official apps from all the major networks, including ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and PBS if you still have a cable TV subscription.

The apps of certain local affiliates of the major networks stream their content. If you want to know whether your local channels are supported, check with the TV provider directly.

5. Connect A Roku To An OTA Antenna

You can connect an HDTV antenna to a Roku TV (a television with the Roku operating system built in) and watch OTA TV through the Roku interface. To get started, adhere to the on-screen directions.

With a TV antenna, you can access a surprising number of programming, including everything from the NFL to well-known TV shows.

The antennas of today are neither expensive nor ugly. You ought to be able to receive channels from further than 100 miles away with a mid-range device (depending on your local terrain). The Mohu Leaf antenna is among the most well-liked antennas.

6. Roku Local Channels That Use Youtube

Checking out YouTube is another option for watching regional networks. More local networks are streaming 24-hour broadcasts of their feeds. At the very least, you should be able to discover isolated snippets, parts, and episodes to keep up with local events.

You must download the official YouTube app for your Roku device and sign in using your Google account to utilize YouTube.

7. Roku Screen Mirroring

The Roku browser market is small, and the devices do not offer a native means to access the internet. It’s a problem if the programming from your local TV networks is only available via their website and no other apps.

But if you use Windows or Android, there is a solution, so don’t lose hope. It is known as Miracast.

Because it functions like a wireless HDMI cable, Miracast is excellent for wireless media streaming. Like a Chromecast, it enables you to mirror your screen on compatible devices. Miracast is built into many Windows laptops and Android smartphones.

Go to Settings > System > Connect to a wireless display > Connect to launch Windows. Next, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Cast on an Android device.

Conclusion

Finally, keep in mind that you can also download some premium apps. The most well-liked options include YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, and DirecTV. You can watch some regional programming from each of them. Again, utilize the free trials to determine if they suit you.

Frequently Asked Questions