Watch News On Roku: Your Easy Guide

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 36 views

Hey guys! Want to stay updated on current events right from your couch? Watching the news on your Roku TV is super easy, and I'm here to walk you through all the ways you can do it. Whether you're into live broadcasts, on-demand clips, or breaking headlines, Roku has got you covered. Let's dive in and explore the different news channels and apps available, so you can stay informed without ever leaving your living room. Get ready to transform your TV into a news hub!

Exploring News Channels on Roku

Okay, so first things first: Roku offers a ton of news channels, both free and subscription-based. You've got the big names like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, but also some fantastic free options like NewsON, Sky News, and Local Now. The choice really depends on what kind of news you're after. Do you prefer in-depth analysis, quick headline updates, or hyper-local stories? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Subscription-Based Channels: These usually offer live, 24/7 news coverage. Think of channels like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. You'll typically need a cable subscription or a separate streaming subscription to access these. They’re great if you want continuous coverage and in-depth reporting.
Free Channels: If you’re looking to save some cash, Roku has plenty of free news channels. NewsON, for example, lets you stream local news broadcasts from around the country. Sky News offers international headlines, and Local Now provides weather, traffic, and local news updates specific to your area. These are perfect for getting a quick overview of what's happening without any extra cost.
News Apps: Don't forget about news apps! Many major news organizations have their own apps that you can download directly onto your Roku. The BBC News app, the CBS News app, and the NBC News app are all excellent choices. These apps often provide a mix of live coverage, on-demand clips, and written articles. Plus, they're usually free to download and use, though some content might require a subscription.

To find these channels and apps, just head to the Roku Channel Store, search for the news providers you're interested in, and add them to your Roku home screen. Easy peasy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding News Channels

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Adding news channels to your Roku is super straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll be watching the news in no time!

Turn on Your Roku: First, make sure your Roku device is powered on and connected to your TV.
Navigate to the Home Screen: Use your Roku remote to navigate to the home screen. This is where all your channels and apps are displayed.
Open the Roku Channel Store: Scroll down and select "Streaming Channels" to open the Roku Channel Store.
Search for News Channels: Once you’re in the Channel Store, you can either browse through the categories or use the search function to find specific news channels. Type in the name of the news provider you’re looking for, like “CNN,” “Fox News,” or “NewsON.”
Select the Channel: When you find the channel you want, select it to view more details.
Add the Channel: On the channel details page, click the "Add channel" button. The channel will then be added to your Roku home screen.
Confirm Installation: After adding the channel, Roku will confirm that it has been installed. You can then choose to go directly to the channel or return to the home screen.
Arrange Your Channels: To make it easier to find your favorite news channels, you can rearrange them on the home screen. Just highlight the channel, press the Options button (*) on your remote, and select “Move channel.” Then, use the arrow keys to position the channel where you want it.

And that's it! You've successfully added a news channel to your Roku. Now you can kick back, relax, and stay informed about what's happening in the world.

Utilizing Free News Apps on Roku

Okay, so let's talk about free news apps. There are tons of fantastic options that won't cost you a dime. These apps are perfect for getting your daily dose of news without having to worry about subscription fees. Here are a few of my favorites:

NewsON: This app is a goldmine for local news. It streams live broadcasts from local news stations across the country. Whether you're interested in what's happening in your hometown or want to keep an eye on events in other cities, NewsON has you covered.
Sky News: If you're after international news, Sky News is a great choice. It offers live coverage and on-demand clips from around the world. It's perfect for staying informed about global events and getting a broader perspective on the news.
Local Now: Local Now focuses on hyper-local content, providing you with weather updates, traffic information, and news stories specific to your area. It's ideal for staying on top of what's happening in your community.
CBS News: The CBS News app offers a mix of live news, on-demand videos, and written articles. You can watch CBSN, the network's 24/7 streaming news service, or catch up on the latest episodes of CBS News programs.
NBC News: Similar to CBS News, the NBC News app provides live news coverage, on-demand clips, and articles. You can watch MSNBC live or catch up on segments from NBC Nightly News and Meet the Press.

To use these apps, just download them from the Roku Channel Store, and you're good to go. Most of them are completely free to use, though some may offer premium features or ad-free viewing for a small fee.

Customizing Your News Feed

Want to personalize your news experience on Roku? Of course, you do! Customizing your news feed ensures you're seeing the stories that matter most to you. Here’s how you can tailor your news experience:

Choose Your Sources: Select news channels and apps that align with your interests and perspectives. If you're passionate about environmental issues, add channels like The Weather Channel or apps that focus on climate change. If you're interested in business and finance, check out channels like CNBC or Bloomberg. Diversifying your sources can also help you get a more well-rounded view of the news.
Follow Specific Topics: Many news apps allow you to follow specific topics or create custom news feeds. For example, you can set up a feed that only shows stories about technology, politics, or sports. This way, you can stay informed about the subjects that interest you the most.
Set Up Notifications: Some news apps offer the option to receive notifications for breaking news or important updates. This can be a great way to stay on top of major events as they unfold. However, be careful not to overload yourself with notifications, as it can become overwhelming.
Use the Roku Search Function: The Roku search function can be a useful tool for finding news stories on specific topics. Just type in a keyword or phrase, and Roku will search across all your installed channels and apps to find relevant content.
Create a News Playlist: Some news apps allow you to create playlists of your favorite stories. This can be a convenient way to save articles or videos that you want to watch later.

By taking the time to customize your news feed, you can create a more personalized and engaging news experience on your Roku TV. You’ll be able to focus on the stories that matter most to you and stay informed about the topics you care about.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, so sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you’re having trouble watching the news on your Roku, don’t panic! Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Channel Not Loading: If a news channel is not loading, the first thing to try is restarting your Roku. Go to Settings > System > System restart and select “Restart.” This can often resolve minor software glitches.
Buffering Issues: If you’re experiencing buffering while watching the news, it could be due to a slow internet connection. Try running a speed test to check your internet speed. If it’s slow, try restarting your modem and router. You can also try moving your Roku closer to your router or connecting it with an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
Channel Not Available: Sometimes, a news channel may not be available in your region or may require a subscription that you don’t have. Check the channel details in the Roku Channel Store to see if there are any restrictions.
App Crashing: If a news app is crashing, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. This can often fix issues caused by corrupted files or outdated software. To uninstall an app, highlight it on the home screen, press the Options button (*) on your remote, and select “Remove channel.” Then, reinstall it from the Roku Channel Store.
Audio Problems: If you’re having audio problems, check your TV’s volume settings and make sure the sound is not muted. Also, check the audio settings on your Roku to make sure the correct audio output is selected.

If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and you’re still having issues, you may need to contact Roku support or the customer support for the specific news channel or app. They may be able to provide additional assistance.

Staying Updated: Tips and Tricks

Staying updated with the news doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some tips and tricks to make it easier and more enjoyable:

Set a News Schedule: Designate a specific time each day to catch up on the news. This could be in the morning while you’re having coffee, during your lunch break, or in the evening before bed. Having a set schedule can help you make news consumption a regular habit.
Use Multiple Sources: Don’t rely on just one news source. Get your news from a variety of different channels and apps to get a more well-rounded view of what’s happening. This can help you avoid bias and stay informed about different perspectives.
Follow Social Media: Many news organizations have a strong presence on social media. Follow your favorite news providers on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to get breaking news updates and links to important articles.
Listen to Podcasts: If you’re on the go, consider listening to news podcasts. There are many great news podcasts available that cover a wide range of topics. You can listen to them while you’re commuting, exercising, or doing chores around the house.
Take Breaks: It’s important to take breaks from the news, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Constant exposure to negative news can take a toll on your mental health. Make sure to take time to relax and engage in activities that you enjoy.

By following these tips and tricks, you can stay informed about the news without letting it consume your life. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you.

So there you have it! Watching the news on your Roku TV is super easy and convenient. With a wide range of news channels and apps available, you can stay informed about current events without ever leaving your living room. Whether you prefer live broadcasts, on-demand clips, or written articles, Roku has something for everyone. Happy watching!