Short Answer: Yes, you can watch local news on Apple TV through various apps and streaming services, but the availability of specific local channels may vary depending on your location and the services you subscribe to.
Dedicated News Apps
Many local news stations offer their own dedicated apps on the Apple TV App Store.
These apps typically allow you to watch live broadcasts, catch up on recent news segments, and receive real-time notifications for breaking news.
Some popular examples include:
- NBC 4 New York
- WABC-TV New York
- Fox 5 Atlanta
To find these apps, simply search for your preferred local news station in the Apple TV App Store.
You can look at this table for better understanding:
| Method | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Local News Apps | Varies by station | Search in the Apple TV App Store for your local station’s app. |
| Network-Affiliated News Apps | CBS, NBC, ABC | Aggregates local content from affiliated stations. |
| Third-Party Streaming Services | Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV | Subscription required, coverage varies by market. |
| AirPlay from iPhone/iPad | Available for all iOS-compatible apps/websites | Use AirPlay to stream content from your mobile device to Apple TV. |
| Apple TV Channels | Paramount+ (CBS All Access) | Includes live local CBS stations in select markets. |
| Pay-TV Subscription Apps | Spectrum, Xfinity, DirecTV | Requires cable/satellite subscription; includes local channels. |
Network-Affiliated News Apps
In addition to station-specific apps, larger networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC have their own apps that aggregate content from local affiliates.
These apps often provide a mix of national news along with local updates based on your location:
- CBS News: Offers a live stream of CBSN, which includes national coverage, and access to local CBS affiliate channels.
- NBC News: Features national coverage and local updates from NBC affiliates.
- ABC News: Provides access to live broadcasts and local segments from ABC affiliates.
Third-Party Streaming Services
Several streaming services have agreements with local TV stations, allowing them to broadcast local news content. These services usually require a subscription but offer a convenient way to access multiple local news channels in one place. Some of the most popular options include:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV
These platforms offer live streaming of local channels depending on your market, along with cloud DVR features to record your favorite news programs.
Alternative Methods to Access Local News
One of the most popular method is Air-Playing from iPhone or iPad
If you can’t find a dedicated app for your local news station on Apple TV, you can use the AirPlay feature to mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to your Apple TV.
This way, you can stream local news from apps available on your mobile device directly to your TV screen.
Here’s how:
- Ensure your Apple TV and iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone or iPad to access the Control Center.
- Tap on Screen Mirroring and select your Apple TV.
You can also use News Websites
Most local news stations have websites that stream live broadcasts.
You can visit these websites on your iPhone or iPad and then use AirPlay to watch them on your Apple TV.
This is particularly useful for stations that don’t have a dedicated Apple TV app.
Subscription Services with Local News
Apple TV offers the option to subscribe to premium channels directly through the Apple TV app, some of which may include local news content.
For example, CBS All Access (now rebranded as Paramount+) includes live streams of local CBS stations in many markets.
This can be a convenient way to bundle your subscriptions and manage them within the Apple ecosystem.
However, If you have a traditional cable or satellite subscription, you can often use the associated apps (e.g., Spectrum, Xfinity, DirecTV) on Apple TV to access local news channels.
These apps usually require you to sign in with your TV provider credentials.
Final Thoughts on Watching Local News on Apple TV
While Apple TV offers several options for watching local news, the best method depends on your specific location, preferences, and whether you’re willing to subscribe to third-party services.
For the most seamless experience, consider combining dedicated local news apps with streaming services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.