Yes, you can watch local news on YouTube TV, but which channels you get depends on your location
YouTube TV carries local broadcast stations in most U.S. markets, which means you can watch your local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates—the channels that air local news. The exact stations available to you depend on where you live. When you sign up for YouTube TV, the service shows you which local channels broadcast in your area before you complete your subscription.
Local news typically airs during morning blocks (usually 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.), at midday, and in the evening (usually 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and again at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.). These time slots vary by station. You can watch live during those windows or record the broadcasts to your YouTube TV library and watch them later.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox stations in most markets, which is where local news airs.
- Your available local channels depend on your home location, which YouTube TV confirms during signup.
- You can watch local news live during scheduled broadcast times or record episodes to watch later using YouTube TV's cloud DVR.
- If your market has limited local channel availability, you may need to check YouTube TV's channel list for your zip code before subscribing.
- Some smaller markets or rural areas may have fewer local stations available than larger cities.
How to find your local news channels on YouTube TV
When you first set up YouTube TV, the service asks for your home location (usually your zip code or address). Based on that location, YouTube TV displays which local broadcast stations are available in your area. This list includes the local ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates that carry news programming.
You can view your available local channels at any time by opening the YouTube TV app or website, going to the "Live" tab, and looking at the channel guide. Local stations typically appear near the beginning of the channel list. If you move to a different location, you can update your home location in your account settings, and YouTube TV will show you the local channels for that new area.
What local news programs are typically available
Local news on YouTube TV follows the standard broadcast schedule. Most markets have morning news (usually 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.), midday news (around noon), and evening news (5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a second block at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.). The exact times and number of newscasts vary by station and market size. Larger cities often have more frequent local news blocks than smaller markets.
The content you see depends on which local affiliate is broadcasting. For example, if your market's ABC affiliate is WABC in New York, you will see WABC's local news. If you live in a different market, you will see that market's ABC affiliate instead. YouTube TV does not offer out-of-market local news—you see only the stations that broadcast to your home location.
Recording local news with YouTube TV's cloud DVR
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record local news broadcasts and watch them whenever you want. To record a local news program, open the channel guide, find the news broadcast you want to record, and select the record button (usually a circle icon). The episode will be saved to your library for up to nine months.
You can also set up a series recording for your local news station. This automatically records every episode of that station's news program without you having to select each one manually. To do this, navigate to the station's channel page, find the news program listing, and select "Add series to library." From then on, new episodes will record automatically.
Markets with limited or no local channel availability
Most major and mid-sized U.S. markets have full local channel availability on YouTube TV. However, some smaller markets or rural areas may have limited local station options. If your area has no local broadcast stations available through YouTube TV, you will not see them in your channel list.
Before you subscribe, you can check YouTube TV's channel availability for your specific location. Visit the YouTube TV website, enter your zip code in the "Check your location" tool, and the service will show you exactly which local channels are available where you live. This takes the guesswork out of whether local news is available to you.
Streaming local news on demand through station apps
In addition to watching local news live or recorded on YouTube TV, many local stations offer their own apps or websites where you can stream recent news segments on demand. These apps are usually free and let you watch clips or full broadcasts from your local station without needing a YouTube TV subscription.
Check your local station's website to see if they offer a free streaming app or video library. Some stations make recent newscasts available for a few days after they air. This can be a useful backup if you miss a broadcast on YouTube TV or want to rewatch a specific story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch local news from a different city on YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV only shows you the local channels that broadcast to your home location. If you want to watch news from a different market, you would need to change your home location in your account settings, though this may affect your access to other local channels in your current area.
Do I need a cable box to watch local news on YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV streams local news directly to your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device. You do not need a cable box or any additional equipment beyond an internet connection and a YouTube TV subscription.
Can I watch local news on YouTube TV if I travel?
You can watch live local news from your home market while traveling, though some stations may have geographic restrictions. Recorded local news from your library is available anywhere. Check your local station's policies, as some may block out-of-market streaming.
What if my local news station is not on YouTube TV?
If your local station is not available through YouTube TV, check whether the station offers its own free streaming app or website. Many local stations stream their newscasts online at no cost. You can also contact YouTube TV support to ask about future availability of that station.
How far back can I watch recorded local news?
Recorded programs stay in your YouTube TV library for nine months. After that, they are automatically deleted to make room for new recordings. If you want to keep a specific newscast longer, you would need to read it or save it through another method before the nine-month window closes.