Did you know that your Roku device can do more than tune in to your favorite streaming platforms? In fact, there’s a whole bunch of free content sitting there for your to take advantage of.
Your Roku device gives you uninterrupted access to local TV channels like new networks and sports stations. But if you haven’t used it before, you probably have no idea how to access the feature.
But don’t worry. Here, we’ll give you the low down on how to access local TV on your Roku device, and, we’ll let you in on the easiest methods of accessing local TV and the type of free content you can watch.
How to watch local news on Roku devices
You might think you have to pay an extra dime to keep up with news broadcasts. Luckily, with your Roku device, you can check out local news networks for free.
Complimentary news channels like Fox News, NewsON, and Haystacks News are easy to install on your Roku device. All you have to do to access these free news networks is add your zip code to your Roku account.
What’s more, changing your zip code lets you check out the local news of different counties. So, if you’re curious about what’s happening in your parent’s neighborhood, just switch your zip code, and you’ll get to watch the local news from their neck of the woods.
There are 2 ways you can find and install your desired news network. First, you can do the following:
- Hit the power button to turn on your Roku device.
- Navigate to the “Streaming Channels” option in the home menu.
- Access the “Channel Store.”
- Hit the “News and Weather” and install your desired channel.
Alternatively, you can find your favorite local networks by using the search function:
- Power on your Roku device.
- Select the “Streaming Channels” option.
- Browse the “Channel Store.”
- Select the “Search” option.
- Input your desired channel like “Fox News,” “NewsON,” etc.
After you’ve installed your favorite local network, you just need to select it from your Roku menu to access the content.
Complimentary NBC coverage
And if that wasn’t cool enough for you, you also get access to the Roku Channel. Here, you can watch NBC news broadcasts from 8 major metropolitan areas: NBC News New York, Chicago, LA, Washington D.C., South Florida, Connecticut, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Philadelphia.
Then, finding these channels just takes a couple of easy-to-follow steps:
- Navigate to the Roku home screen.
- Select the “Live TV” icon.
Also, there’s another method to accessing the NBC channels:
- Tap the Roku Channel on your home menu.
- Select the left arrow icon to access the navigation sub-menu.
- Scroll through the menu to find and select “Live TV.”
Once installed, select the Roku Channel to tune into your desired NBC News network.
How to watch in-depth weather forecasts on Roku
On the other hand, if you’re just looking to keep abreast of the climate situation, Roku provides comprehensive weather channels for free. In fact, there are 3 different channels you can install and watch: The Weather Network, The Weather Channel, and WeatherNation. Watching any of these channels can give you 24-hour weather coverage.
Like installing local news channels, getting these weather stations on your Roku device is a breeze. Installing a weather channel is the same process as finding a local news station on the Roku channel. You can either visit the “news and weather” section of the Channel store. Or, you can enter your preferred weather station on the search menu.
How to watch local sports networks on Roku devices
Subscribing to Internet TV through your Roku device gives you access to local sports channels.
For instance, subscription services like Sling TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV give you access to regional sports networks. First, make sure your local networks are available in your region before applying. Then, visit your favored subscription service and input your zip code to access your channels.
So, adding your preferred streaming service to your Roku device is the same process as adding local news networks. All you need to do is visit the search option on the Roku channel store. Then, you can input your preferred streaming service, and after selecting the “add channel” option, you’ll be good to go.
Either Sling TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV get you access to your favorite regional sports network. Check out our Best Streaming Bundles guide to figure out which service is best for you.
Can you watch local TV for free on Roku?
The Roku Channel Store can give you a birds-eye view of the situation in your area. If you’re expecting a particularly chilly holiday, you can check out the News and Weather section of the Roku channel to you prepare those heaters for possible upcoming cold fronts. Whether it's local news or weather, you’re getting more than your money’s worth on Roku. However, local sports are a notable exception.
But there is a workaround to get free regional sports networks on your Roku device…
HDTV antenna on Roku
With an HDTV antenna, you can get watch all your local stations without paying a dime. But first, you need to connect your antenna to the Roku.
Connecting the HDTV antenna to your device is just a simple affair. All you need to do is complete the following steps:
Alt: a coaxial cable
Source: Amazon.com
- Connect your HDTV antenna’s coaxial cable to the “Ant/Cable In” connection on the back of your Roku device.
- Power on your Roku device.
- Select the “Live TV” option from the home menu.
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
After setting up your HDTV antenna connection, you’ll be able to watch local TV on your Roku device.
What are the best apps for live local TV streaming?
Obviously, when it comes to live local TV streaming, you can’t go wrong with Sling TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV, thanks to their ease of use and access to local networks without any added fees.
Here’s what you can get out of these streaming platforms:
- Sling TV—An affordable but customizable streaming service. You can tailor your Sling TV account to cater to your needs.
- Fubo—One of the premier streaming platforms for sports. With nearly 150 channels, 40+ of which are sports focused, you’ll never get bored.
- Hulu + Live TV—One of the best “bang for your buck” streaming platforms on the market today. Comes with Disney + and ESPN +.
If you’re concerned about local network coverage, either of these 3 platforms will keep you happy.
Never miss out on local news and sports on your Roku device
It’s undeniable that Roku devices are some of the best additions to your home theater or living room. Roku gives you easy access to your favorite streaming platforms—it’s a staple for every American home.
Moreover, every Roku device can keep you tuned into your local news networks, making traditional TV obsolete. Even when it comes to sports networks, a Roku device can keep you in touch with your favorite teams with the help of a live TV subscription.
If you’re eyeing adding Sling TV to your Roku device, you can visit our Sling TV review to see if you’re getting the best value for your money.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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