On the Roku platform, you can find channels in places like the Roku store and the home menu. Despite the name, channels function like apps; you can pick any you want and add them to your home screen. Once added, these channels let you access video content from a provider.
How to Get Local Channels on Roku
You may be able to get content from other apps as well. NewsON, for example, offers local news from 190 stations and claims to have at least one local news broadcast for 90% of the U.S. population.
Stream Local Channels on Roku via YouTube
Another option is YouTube. Local news stations are increasingly uploading and live streaming their broadcasts on the site, and Roku’s YouTube app will air those streams for you. You should search for your local station’s YouTube page first to see what it offers. Each affiliate will have a different approach to YouTube, so you might find it varies from fully embracing the site and uploading everything to only offering select clips.
Use Windows or Smartphone Mirroring
If your local station doesn’t stream to YouTube but does stream on their website, you can still get it on your TV if you have a Windows computer or Android device. Apple doesn’t support Roku mirroring as of this writing. Your Roku and your device will also need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Using Windows 10 Using Android For Android devices, it may be a bit trickier. Using iOS Unfortunately, for iOS, there’s no direct casting solution, but you can use the YouTube app and some other third-party apps to cast to your Roku.
Major Network Apps
If you have cable or a streaming service like Hulu, you can install major network apps on your Roku. To install a major network app, follow these steps:
