How to Watch Local (And National) News Coverage With DIRECTV

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Did you know that you don’t actually need cable to watch your favorite “cable” news live? You heard us right — from the 2024 presidential election season and beyond, there are more ways than ever to get the comprehensive news coverage you seek on the daily.

However, if you’ve cut the cord on traditional cable, figuring out how to watch everything from the nightly local coverage that pops on after prime time TV blocks, to top-rated national news channels can be tricky. To watch America’s most popular news channels without a cable subscription, your best bet is to opt for a live TV streaming service connected through the internet that includes a wide breadth of content in its lineup.

Luckily if you’ve ditched the satellite dish, DIRECTV via Internet is one of the easiest ways to still get access to 24/7 coverage of the country’s most watched “Big Three” news networks (Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNN)¹, along with local affiliate networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC². Here’s how you can stay well-informed and tune in to coverage of breaking stories and other major events all over the nation with DIRECTV.

How to Stream National News on DIRECTV

If there’s anyone who offers a comprehensive mix of national, international, financial and weather news networks that you can watch anytime, anywhere, it’s DIRECTV³. Even with the increase in smaller news channels, there are three major news networks, typically referred to as the “Big Three” — Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNN — that you can watch through DIRECTV via Internet.  Signing up is easy, and not to mention you can start watching immediately.

If you’re looking for even more news coverage, every one of DIRECTV’s channel lineups also include
C-Span, C-Span2, NewsNation, TheGrio, and TIME.

How to Stream Local News on DIRECTV

One thing many live TV streaming platforms don’t offer, however, is local news. With DIRECTV, though, you can access more of the coverage relating to your specific area, including all of your local news stations like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC (this still depends on what affiliate stations are offered in your area). Bottom line — you deserve top-notch local and national news coverage, and DIRECTV has got you covered.

What DIRECTV Packages Offer News Networks?

No matter where you get your news from, there are plenty of packages you can take advantage of to get the channels you want, without having to sign on for any more than you need. And with unlimited Cloud DVR storage included with DIRECTV via internet, you can record all your favorite news programs and segments whenever you want⁴.

ENTERTAINMENT

The ENTERTAINMENT package is DIRECTV’s most affordable plan that still gives you the “Big Three” news networks in Fox New Channel, MSNBC, and CNN. You’ll also be able to watch local new channels where available, and get unlimited cloud DVR recording.

($89.99/mo. for 24 mos. + taxes & fees. Price includes $15/mo, ARS fee. 24-mo. agmt req’d.)

CHOICE

CHOICE is DIRECTV’s most popular package, and it includes ENTERTAINMENT channels plus specialty news channels like VICE, Cheddar News, The Weather Channel, and CNBC World. You can get the CHOICE package for $89.99/mo. $79.99/mo for the first 24 months + taxes and fees.

($112.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee, Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. and an additional $10 bill credit for 24 mos.) w/24-mo. agmt)

ULTIMATE

The ULTIMATE package includes everything in CHOICE, plus sports, movie channels, and more international news channels like BBC News and more. ULTIMATE is available for $119.99/mo. $109.99/mo. for the first 24 months + taxes and fees.

($142.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee, Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. and an additional $10 bill credit for 24 mos. w/24-mo. agmt)

PREMIER

The PREMIER package includes what’s offered in ULTIMATE, plus premium networks like Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. It’s available for $164.99/mo. $154.99/mo for 24 months, plus taxes and fees, which will save you $10/mo.

($187.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee, Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. and an additional $10 bill credit for 24 mos. w/24-mo. agmt)

New approved residential customers, price incl. TV pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Equipment lease req’d. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply. 

DIRECTV via INTERNET: Service subject to DIRECTV delivered via internet terms and conditions (see directv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/).  Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Early termination fees apply for a maximum of $480, prorated at $20 per month over the 24-month term. If you cancel your service within the first 14 days of ordering, a full refund of charges will be applied, and the early termination fees will be waived. If service is canceled after 14 days, you can continue to access DIRECTV through the end of the bill period, but there is no refund or credit for partial-month or unwatched content.

BILL CREDIT OFFER: Limited Time Offer. Receive $10/mo. credit for 24 mos. with CHOICE pkg. or higher 24-mo. agmt. req’d. Customer must activate service and account must remain in good standing to receive all discounts. You will lose this offer and/or any portion of this offer if you cancel your service. LIMIT ONE OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. May not be combined with certain offers. Offer may be changed or discontinued at any time.

Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. DIRECTV App: Req’s compatible device and data connection; data charges may apply. Pricing: ENTERTAINMENT $89.99/mo., CHOICE $122.98/mo., ULTIMATE $152.98/mo., PREMIER $197.98/mo. for 2 years. After 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless cancelled. Prices reflect base package prices plus the req’d. $15/mo. Advanced Receiver Service Fee and Regional Sports Fee (RSF) of up to $17.99/mo. RSF applies to CHOICE Pkg. or higher and varies based on location. May be lower in some areas. $7/mo. lease fee per each additional device will be charged on your account. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information.  

Equipment Non-Return Fees: If service is cancelled you must return the included and leased device to avoid a non-return fee of $120 per device.

Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. In select markets certain local channels are not available, call 800-535-5000 or visit directv.com/channel-lineup/ for more info. Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions.

DIRECTV Svc Terms:  Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreement. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DIRECTV TECH PROTECT and transactional fees are not included in two-year price guarantee. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details.

All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com for details.  

©2024 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC.  All other marks are the property of their respective owners.