In these uncertain times, having access to timely news and information is more important than ever. As a cord-cutter myself, I rely on streaming devices like Roku to get my news fix from the comfort of my living room. After testing numerous news apps, I wanted to share my top 5 picks for keeping up with what’s happening in the world.
Whether you use a Roku TV or one of their handy streaming sticks, adding news channels is a breeze. In this post, I’ll walk through how to install new channels and highlight the ones I’d recommend for news junkies like myself!
A Quick and Easy Way to Add New Roku Channels
Adding streaming channels on your Roku device only takes a few minutes. Just follow these steps:
- From the Home screen, navigate to Streaming Channels and select Search Channels.
- Use the search bar to find the news channel you want to add.
- Select the channel and click Add Channel to install it.
- Once installed, you can access the channel from your Home screen.
Pretty simple, right? Now let’s look at some of the best news channels available on Roku today.
Top 5 News Channels on Roku
Haystack News
My #1 choice for an all-encompassing news source is Haystack News. Their slogan says it all:
“From local coverage to current global events”
Haystack offers national and international headlines as well as hyperlocal reporting. I love using their app to keep tabs on COVID stats across different regions as well.
Standout Features:
- Continuous live streaming news
- Local weather forecasts
- Customizable news playlists
- Available for free
KCTV5 News
For midwest dwellers, KCTV5 is essential for staying current on Kansas news. Their app brings you:
- Breaking local headlines
- Weather radar and forecasts
- Live sports updates
- Special investigative reports
- Popular shows and features
As a Kansas City resident myself, KCTV5 is my go-to for quick local updates. Their team really focuses on community issues that impact our day-to-day lives here.
OAN News
If politics are your thing, check out One America News Network (OAN). They offer 24/7 coverage on:
- Washington dealings
- Election analysis
- Policy breakdowns
- Finance and economy updates
OAN leans more right than center, so keep that in mind. But they provide quality reporting if you want a conservative perspective on current events.
Fox News Channel
While also skewing conservative, Fox News dominates as the most-watched cable news network. If you don’t have cable, their Roku app gives you access to:
- Live breaking news alerts
- Late-breaking headlines
- Viral videos
- Popular Fox shows and personalities like Hannity and Tucker Carlson
- Fox News radio streaming
I like to balance my news intake with both liberal and conservative sources. So Fox News is a fixture in my set of news apps despite their obvious right lean.
Newsmax
For more straight reporting with minimal partisan slant, Newsmax TV fits the bill. Their Roku channel focuses more on:
- News headlines
- Health updates
- Financial news
- Political intercourse
Newsmax offers free access to live and 24/7 news coverage. I often throw them into the mix when I want dry facts without so much polarizing commentary.
Stay Informed on What Matters
Having quick access to breaking news, politics, local happenings, and more keeps me feeling on top of what’s going on in the world. As a cord-cutter myself, I love the flexibility Roku offers to stream different news sources.
Hopefully these app suggestions help you stay updated from home too! Let me know in the comments which Roku news channels are your favorites.