Local channels will provide you with news, weather, sports, and other local programming. Luckily, there are a few different ways you can get local content. You can get local coverage via an over-the-air antenna or by using different apps. Each app has its pros and cons, but getting local channels is straightforward. If you want to know how to get local channels on Roku, use these steps to get started.
Connect an Antenna or Cable to Roku TV
If you have a Roku TV, getting local channels couldn’t be easier using your device. Connect an over-the-air (OTA) antenna or your cable or satellite connection to the back of the TV to watch free television.
Note that the number of channels you get will vary based on your location and signal strength. In fact, you might discover OTA channels you didn’t know existed. After connecting the antenna or cable, press the Home button on the remote and select the Live TV option from the list.
When you highlight the Live TV app, you’ll see what’s currently on. Press the up or down button on the remote’s D-pad to change channels.
Use Live TV Channels
You can install several channels on your Roku to get live broadcasts from various markets. In fact, if you are looking for a specific channel, check the Roku Channel Store for the local channel you want to view, and see if the station has created a channel for its viewers.
If you want to watch local news and sports, try NewsON or Haystack News (which offers over 300 live channels) for local news coverage. For either channel, enter your zip code or city and see if you can get news, weather, and traffic from your local shows and anchors. In addition, the Roku Channel Store has over 100 other free local news channels from various cities.
Use a Live Streaming TV Service
Another method for getting local channels on your Roku is using a live TV streaming service like Hulu Plus or Sling TV. When you subscribe to those services, they include local channels for you to watch. Service prices vary, and each has a different selection of overall channels. However, most provide you with your local affiliates so you can watch your local coverage live. For example, you can get the Hulu with Live TV + Disney Plus + ESPN+ bundle for $69.99 per month. That bundle gives you access to on-demand Disney content (including Marvel, Star Wars, NatGeo, and Pixar), live sports, over 75 live channels (including local channels), and unlimited DVR.
Try YouTube for Local Channels
Another way to get live local coverage is using an app everyone is familiar with, YouTube. Several local networks are streaming their broadcasts 24 hours a day. Install the YouTube channel on your Roku and search for your local affiliates. Even if you don’t find a 24/7 live stream, you’ll have access to clips and snippets from previously aired newscasts. Even shorter clips will allow you to keep abreast of local news, weather, and sports.
Try Private Channels
If the local affiliate you want doesn’t have a channel, you can try adding a private channel. Hidden or private channels are created by hobbyists and developers who haven’t submitted them to the official store. So, for example, you must use a private channel to watch Twitch on Roku. To add a channel, you need to know the code, so it will take some digging to find a private channel with local coverage. So, you can find private Roku channel codes in forums and Reddit threads for various content. Some old codes don’t work, but it’s worth checking into.
Mirror Your Phone to Roku
If the above options aren’t enough, another way to get local channels is by mirroring local news feeds from your phone or tablet to your Roku. This is a good option if your local affiliate doesn’t have a channel for Roku but offers live local coverage online. Since Roku doesn’t have a proper web browser, you can mirror your phone to your device and watch on the big screen. Instead, pull up your local channel on your phone’s browser and start the mirroring process. The good news is it doesn’t matter which mobile OS you’re running. For more, check out how to mirror your iPhone to Roku or how to mirror your Android to Roku.
Use The Roku Channel
It’s also worth noting that live local channels stream on The Roku Channel. It’s continuously getting new content regularly, including local channels with news and weather coverage for several markets. The Roku Channel is on all Roku devices; you can scroll through it and see what you find. The neat thing is that you don’t need your Roku device to watch it, as The Roku Channel is available online.
Getting More from Your Roku
If you want to view your local affiliate channels for news, weather, and sports, on Roku, use one or more of the options above. While you can get live channels on any Roku device, a Roku TV – HDTV with the Roku operating system – works quite well. Just connect an antenna and get all your local channels free. The amount of paid and free content you can get on Roku is staggering. However, you will want to get the best from your Roku. So, for example, if you can’t control it, you’ll want to fix the Roku remote not working. And sometimes your Roku will freeze up or start acting wonky. So in that situation, learn how to restart a Roku. In addition to fixing Roku problems, you can do some cool things. For example, learn about changing themes on Roku or accessing secret menus. If you want to clean up the UI, don’t forget that you can delete channels on Roku. Comment Name * Email *
Δ Save my name and email and send me emails as new comments are made to this post.
