29
Paramount+ and Live News: How to Stream CBS News and 24/7 Channels
Want to watch CBS News live without cable? Paramount+ makes it possible - and it’s not just for reruns of Star Trek or Yellowstone. Since 2024, Paramount+ has turned into one of the most straightforward ways to get real-time news, breaking updates, and nonstop coverage from CBS News, CBS News 24/7, and even local news feeds in major U.S. markets. No antenna, no satellite dish, no monthly bill for a full cable package. Just your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer.
What’s Actually Included in Paramount+’s Live News
Paramount+ doesn’t just offer on-demand shows. Its Live News section is a full broadcast network experience. You get:
- CBS News 24/7: A free, ad-supported live stream that runs 24 hours a day. It’s not just headlines - it’s live reporters in the field, studio anchors, weather updates, and breaking news segments. Think of it like CNN or Fox News, but with CBS’s signature tone and reporting style.
- CBS News Local: In over 30 major U.S. markets (like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta), Paramount+ streams live feeds from local CBS affiliates. That means you can watch your city’s 5 p.m. newscast live, even if you’ve moved away.
- Live Events: Major press conferences, election nights, natural disasters, and national speeches are broadcast live on the CBS News channel within Paramount+.
Unlike other streaming services that only offer news clips or summaries, Paramount+ gives you the full broadcast experience - same as if you turned on your TV to channel 11.
How to Access Live News on Paramount+
Getting to live news is simple, but people often miss it because it’s not on the main homepage. Here’s exactly where to go:
- Open the Paramount+ app or website.
- Look for the Live TV tab - it’s usually at the bottom of the screen on mobile or the left sidebar on desktop.
- Under Live Channels, find CBS News or CBS News 24/7.
- Tap or click to start streaming.
If you don’t see it, check your subscription tier. CBS News 24/7 is available on all Paramount+ plans, including the Essential plan (with ads). You don’t need the Premium plan to watch live news.
Pro tip: On smart TVs, you can pin CBS News 24/7 to your home screen. Go to the channel, press the options button on your remote, and select Add to Home. Now it’s one click away, like a regular TV channel.
How It Compares to Other News Streaming Options
There are plenty of news apps out there - YouTube News, Apple News+, The Roku Channel, even free services like NewsON. But here’s how Paramount+ stacks up:
| Feature | Paramount+ | YouTube News | The Roku Channel | NewsON |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live Stream | Yes (CBS News 24/7) | No (only clips and highlights) | Yes (some local feeds) | Yes (local CBS, ABC, NBC) |
| Local News Access | Yes (30+ markets) | No | Yes (select cities) | Yes (over 150 markets) |
| Ad-Free Option | No (ads on all plans) | No | No | No |
| Requires Subscription | Yes (starting at $5.99/month) | No | No | No |
| Multi-Device Support | Yes (up to 5 screens) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Paramount+ isn’t free, but it’s the only service that gives you a full, uninterrupted CBS News broadcast - with the same anchors, same graphics, same live reporters - as your local TV station. If you care about consistency and credibility in news, that matters.
Why CBS News 24/7 Feels Different
Most streaming news services feel like they’re trying to copy TikTok - short clips, flashy graphics, loud headlines. CBS News 24/7 doesn’t. It’s calm. It’s deliberate. It’s built by the same team that’s been covering national events for decades.
During the 2024 U.S. election, CBS News 24/7 ran 48 hours straight of live coverage, with real-time results, expert analysis, and live interviews from battleground states. No algorithm-driven remixes. No clickbait titles. Just reporting.
That’s why older viewers stick with it - and why younger audiences are starting to notice. A 2025 Pew Research study found that 38% of Americans under 35 now get their news from streaming services, and Paramount+ was the fastest-growing news source among that group.
What You Can’t Get With Paramount+ Live News
It’s not perfect. Here’s what’s missing:
- No international news channels - You won’t find BBC World News, Al Jazeera, or France 24.
- No on-demand replays of full newscasts - You can’t rewind last night’s 6 p.m. broadcast. You can only watch it live or catch highlights in the News section.
- No local news outside the U.S. - If you’re in Australia, Canada, or the UK, you’ll see CBS News 24/7, but not your local CBS affiliate.
That’s fine if you’re looking for U.S.-focused news. But if you need global coverage, you’ll need to pair Paramount+ with another service like YouTube News or Apple News+.
How to Use Paramount+ Live News Outside the U.S.
Yes, you can watch CBS News 24/7 from anywhere - including Brisbane. But here’s the catch: you’ll only get the national feed. You won’t see local weather for Miami or traffic updates from Detroit.
That’s still useful if you’re an expat, a student, or just someone who wants to stay updated on U.S. politics, markets, or major events. The feed is identical to what’s shown in the U.S., with no delays.
Just make sure your Paramount+ account is registered to a U.S. billing address. If you’re using a VPN, it might block access. The service checks your location through your payment method and device IP.
Is Paramount+ Worth It Just for the News?
If your only goal is to watch live news, then $5.99/month might feel steep. But here’s the thing: you’re not just paying for CBS News. You’re getting:
- Live sports (NFL, UEFA Champions League)
- Paramount originals (like 1923 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds)
- MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon channels
- Access to live events like the Grammys and the Emmys
So if you already watch any of that stuff, adding live news is basically free. And if you don’t? You can cancel anytime. There’s no contract.
Try the 7-day free trial. Watch CBS News 24/7 for a week. See if you like the pacing, the tone, the lack of sensationalism. If it feels like the kind of news you want to start your day with - keep it.
What’s Next for Paramount+ News?
Paramount has been quietly expanding its news team. In late 2025, they launched CBS News Daily, a 15-minute morning news briefing available on-demand. They’re also testing live local news integration with weather radar and traffic cams in select cities.
Expect more real-time features soon - like live polls during breaking news, or the ability to switch between anchor desks during major events. The goal isn’t to compete with CNN. It’s to give people a trusted, calm, no-nonsense news experience - without the noise.
Can I watch CBS News live on Paramount+ without a subscription?
No. CBS News 24/7 and live local feeds require a Paramount+ subscription. However, CBS News does offer a free, limited live stream on its own website and YouTube channel, but it’s only a partial feed with fewer reporters and no local content. For the full experience - including local broadcasts and uninterrupted coverage - you need Paramount+.
Is CBS News 24/7 available on Roku or Apple TV?
Yes. Paramount+ is available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and most smart TVs. Just download the Paramount+ app from your device’s app store. Once you sign in, go to the Live TV section to find CBS News 24/7. It works the same way on every platform.
Can I record live news on Paramount+?
No, Paramount+ doesn’t offer cloud DVR for live news channels. You can’t pause, rewind, or record CBS News 24/7. The only way to rewatch content is through the News tab, where short clips and highlights are posted after the broadcast. For full recordings, you’d need to use a separate DVR or screen-recording tool.
Does Paramount+ have breaking news alerts?
Yes, but only through the app. If you enable notifications in the Paramount+ app settings, you’ll get alerts for major breaking news events - like presidential announcements, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks. These push notifications will open the app directly to the live CBS News stream. You won’t get alerts via email or SMS.
Is Paramount+ better than YouTube for live news?
It depends on what you want. YouTube has more channels and more variety, but the quality is inconsistent. CBS News 24/7 on Paramount+ is produced by a professional news team with experienced anchors, real-time field reporting, and consistent editorial standards. If you want reliability over randomness, Paramount+ wins. If you want niche voices or international coverage, YouTube has more.
Final Thoughts
Paramount+ isn’t just another streaming service. For live news, it’s one of the few that actually feels like TV - the way it used to be. No algorithms. No trending nonsense. Just reporters on the ground, telling you what’s happening, when it matters.
If you’ve been looking for a way to cut cable without losing real-time news, this is it. Try the free trial. Watch for a week. See if the quiet, steady pace of CBS News 24/7 fits your rhythm. You might find you don’t need all the noise - just the facts, delivered clearly, without drama.
