How To Get Free Local Channels On Roku
You can get free local channels on Roku by plugging an HDTV antenna directly into a Roku TV, or by streaming local news through free apps like The Roku Channel, NewsON, and Haystack News. The best method depends on whether you own a Roku TV (with a built-in tuner) or a separate Roku streaming stick/box, and whether you want live network affiliates like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX or just local news coverage. If you haven't set up your device yet, first get Roku on my smart TV to access these free streaming options.
How to get free local channels on Roku: The antenna method
Before you buy an antenna, understand the crucial difference between a Roku TV and a Roku player. A Roku TV has an "Ant/Cable In" port on the back, which means it includes a built-in tuner for over-the-air broadcasts. A standalone Roku streaming device (stick, box, or StreamBar) does not have an antenna input, it only connects to your TV via HDMI. So if you want to connect TV antenna to a Roku device, you must own a Roku TV, not a separate player.
Step-by-step: Connect an HDTV antenna to a Roku TV
First, connect a coaxial cable from your HDTV antenna to the "Ant/Cable In" port on the back of your Roku TV. If your antenna requires power (many amplified models do), plug it into a wall outlet or a USB power source on the TV itself.
Next, turn on your Roku TV and press the Home button on your remote. Select "Live TV" from the home screen. If you don't see "Live TV," go to Settings > TV inputs > Live TV > Set up input. The TV will then scan for available over-the-air channels, this process may take several minutes, so be patient.
Once the scan finishes, all local channels your antenna can receive will appear in the Live TV program guide. These over-the-air channels are automatically integrated alongside free streaming channels from The Roku Channel, so you can flip between broadcast TV and internet channels with the same guide.
Keep in mind that the number and quality of channels depend on your location, antenna strength, and placement. For best results, place the antenna higher up, near a window, and facing the direction of local broadcast towers. A good HDTV antenna can pull in signals from up to 100 miles away, but urban and suburban areas typically get more channels than rural ones.
How to pause and rewind free antenna TV on a Roku TV
One of the best hidden features of Roku TVs is that you can pause live antenna TV for up to 90 minutes, but only if you connect a USB drive. Plug a 16GB or larger USB flash drive into the USB port on your Roku TV. Once connected, the TV will automatically detect it and enable live TV pause and rewind. This works only for over-the-air channels, not for streaming apps. So while you're watching a local network show, you can pause to grab a snack, then rewind to catch a replay of a big play or a weather alert.
Free local channels on Roku without an antenna
If you don't have a Roku TV or simply don't want to deal with an antenna, you can still watch local news for free. The Roku Channel includes a built-in live TV guide with over 500 free streaming channels, and some of those are local news affiliates in major metropolitan areas, like NBC News New York, FOX, CBS, and ABC affiliates. Open The Roku Channel, scroll to the "Live TV" tab, and browse the guide.
For more targeted local coverage, install dedicated news apps from the Roku Channel Store. NewsON streams live and on-demand local newscasts from participating TV stations across the country, just enter your zip code to see what's available in your area. Haystack News works similarly, letting you personalize a feed of local, national, and international news clips. Both apps are 100% free and don't require a cable login. These are the best options if you want hyper-local weather, traffic, and community stories without paying for cable.
Advanced option: Streaming local channels with a Plex server
If you already run a Plex Media Server on a computer or NAS device, you can add a TV tuner (like a HDHomeRun) and an antenna to your setup, then stream live local channels to the Plex app on any Roku device, even a stick or box. This method gives you a full electronic program guide, DVR recording, and pause/rewind controls, all within Plex's interface. It's more complex than the other options, but it's ideal for cord-cutters who want a single app for both their personal media library and live TV.
For the wider topic, see contact Roku.
