How to Get Local Channels on FireStick in 2025 (Free & Paid) An Experts Guide

How to Get Local Channels on FireStick: In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different ways to access local channels on your Amazon FireStick. These methods are compatible with all Fire TV Stick models, including the FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, FireStick Lite, and Fire TV Cube.

Local Channels Without Cable: A Cord-Cutter’s Guide

With so many affordable streaming alternatives available today, there’s never been a better time to ditch your cable subscription. However, a common concern for many cord-cutters is how to keep watching local news and live TV channels.

Responsive Privacy Alert

Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

IP Icon Your IP Address: Loading...
Location Icon Your Location: Loading...
ISP Icon Your Internet Provider: Loading...

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.

Visit Express VPN

Streaming Local Channels on FireStick

Amazon FireStick is one of the most versatile and user-friendly streaming devices on the market. Not only does it support a wide range of official and third-party apps, but it also allows you to watch both on-demand content and live TV—including local channels.

There are several methods you can use to access local programming on FireStick, many of which are free or far more affordable than a traditional cable TV subscription. Here are the main options:

  • Subscribing to a paid IPTV service
  • Using free apps to stream local channels
  • Installing standalone network apps (e.g., NBC, ABC, CBS)
  • Accessing local news via the Amazon News App
  • Streaming through third-party apps
  • Adding Live TV Kodi addons
  • Using a digital antenna with Fire TV Recast

I’ll break down each of these options in detail in the sections ahead—so you can choose the method that best suits your viewing preferences and budget.

Best VPNS For Streaming Safely

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming

Best Feature The fastest speeds we tested, ensuring you can stream, browse, game, and torrent without interruptions
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries give you fast worldwide connections
Simultaneous Device Connections Up to 8, so you can protect your compatible devices under one subscription
Works With Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more

2. NordVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming

Best Feature High security features and fast speeds for a reliable connection
Server Network 5,400 servers in 60 countries for improved accessibility and connection speeds
Simultaneous Device Connections Up to 6 devices, suitable for protecting multiple devices simultaneously
Works With Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more

How to Get Local Channels on FireStick – 7 Effective Methods

Here are the top 7 ways to watch local channels on your FireStick device.

Method #1: Subscribe to a Paid IPTV Service

IPTV services stream live TV channels over the internet. These subscription-based platforms can be official providers or unverified third-party services. Official IPTV providers usually cost more but offer safer and more reliable streaming. This guide focuses on the leading official IPTV services, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV), FuboTV, and Sling TV. These services have dedicated apps available for download on the Amazon App Store.

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV)

DIRECTV STREAM is a premium live TV service offering a wide range of channels including local news, sports, entertainment, and reality TV. Depending on your subscription, you can access up to 150 channels. Plans range from $74.99 to $154.99 per month, which is higher than many competitors, but includes unlimited cloud DVR and support for three simultaneous streams. Local channels like ABC, CBS, and NBC are available depending on your ZIP code and market area, which you can verify on their website.

Sling TV

Sling TV is a budget-friendly option for streaming local and international channels. It offers news, sports, entertainment, and movies. Sling TV has three subscription tiers:

  • Sling Orange ($40/month) with about 35 channels but no local channels
  • Sling Blue ($45/month) with 46 channels including local channels
  • Sling Orange & Blue ($60/month) combining all channels from both plans with local channels included

Note that Sling TV works only within the USA.

fuboTV

fuboTV started as a sports streaming service and has expanded to offer over 300 live channels, including popular local and national channels like ABC, NBC, and FOX. Channel availability varies by location. fuboTV is available in the USA, Canada, and Spain, with plans ranging from $32.99 to $109.99 per month.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu’s on-demand content with live TV streaming. With over 4 million subscribers, it offers access to local and national channels such as ESPN, ABC, ACC, BET, and more. The plan costs $76.99 per month and requires entering your ZIP code to view local channels. Hulu + Live TV is available only in the USA.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV, owned by Google, boasts over 8 million subscribers and offers more than 100 cable and satellite channels, including local over-the-air channels. Popular local channels include CBS, ABC, FOX, NBC, and TNT. Additional channels cover sports, lifestyle, and entertainment, such as ESPN, Food Network, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. YouTube TV offers broad coverage across the US, features DVR storage, high-quality streaming, and a smooth viewing experience. The base plan is priced at $72.99/month, making it slightly more expensive but highly popular. This summary should help you decide which IPTV service suits your needs best for accessing local channels on your FireStick.

Method #2: Use Free Services to Watch Local Channels on FireStick

There are several free IPTV apps available on the Amazon App Store that let you stream local and international channels on your FireStick. Here are some of the top free options:

1. Airy TV

Airy TV is a free streaming platform offering a variety of channels including movies, sports, news, and TV shows. It doesn’t require any subscription, fees, or contracts. While you may encounter some ads, Airy TV provides over 100 local channels along with a good selection of classic movies and shows, all with decent streaming quality. It’s a great choice for live TV on FireStick.

2. Haystack TV

Previously known as Haystack News, this free, ad-supported app focuses on news content. It lets you stream over 400 channels featuring local, national, and international news, current events, business, and entertainment. Popular channels include CBS, ABC, and Al Jazeera. Haystack TV is available on major app stores like Amazon and Google Play.

3. Xumo

Xumo offers a completely free, ad-supported streaming service called Xumo Play, with more than 300 channels featuring live and on-demand content. The app covers sports, news, entertainment, comedy, recipes, and more. Popular channels include ABC News Live, Fox Sports, PGA Tour, TMZ, and others. Xumo works on Fire TV, FireStick, Android devices, Roku, and more.

4. VUit

VUit is another excellent free streaming service offering live TV and on-demand content. It features many local channels that cover news, weather, sports, and short clips from networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. You can easily download VUit from the Amazon App Store on your FireStick.

5. Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a popular ad-supported streaming service that provides over 250 live channels and thousands of movies and shows for free. No subscription or sign-up is required, making it an easy option for streaming live TV and entertainment. These free apps are excellent ways to access local channels on FireStick without spending a dime, though they typically include ads to support the service.

Method #3: Use Standalone Network Apps

Many major TV networks offer their own apps on the Amazon App Store, allowing you to stream local content directly on your FireStick. However, these apps typically provide access only to content from that specific network and its affiliates. So, if you want broad coverage, you may need to install multiple apps. Networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and others have standalone apps available for download.

For example, you can install Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) to stream content from your local CBS affiliate, as well as CBS Sports HQ, CBSN, and ET Live. Most network apps require you to sign in with your cable TV provider to unlock full access to their live channels and premium content. You may need to try a few different apps to see which ones work best without a login or subscription.

Method #4: Use the Amazon News App

If your primary interest is local and national news, the Amazon News app is a fantastic built-in option for FireStick users.

This free app offers coverage from major local, national, and international news sources including:

  • ABC News Live
  • CBS News
  • Yahoo News
  • Bloomberg
  • Yahoo Sports
  • ET Live
  • Reuters
  • HuffPost and more

Originally limited to just 12 U.S. cities, Amazon has since expanded the app’s local news support to 88 regional markets, including major cities like Phoenix, Detroit, and New Orleans.

Top Features of the Amazon News App:

  • Automatically detects your location to deliver local news.
  • Lets you customize and build a personalized news playlist.
  • Regularly updated content from your selected sources.
  • No subscription or login required.
  • Pre-installed on most Fire TV devices.

Best VPN deals this week:

4.9/5 ★★★★☆
SPECIAL DEAL -74% OFF Get Special Deal

Method #5: Watch Local Channels via Third-Party Apps

There are also many third-party apps that allow free access to local and international channels. These apps are typically not found in the Amazon App Store and must be sideloaded using their APK files. These platforms often include live streams of local news, sports, and entertainment content. While they can be a great free alternative, be sure to verify the safety and legality of any third-party app before installing it on your device.

1. Live NetTV

Live NetTV is a popular third-party app offering over 800 live TV channels worldwide. It supports multiple devices, including FireStick. The app is user-friendly, with channels organized into categories like sports, news, entertainment, kids, music, cooking, movies, documentaries, and religious content. No registration or subscription is required.

2. HD Streamz

HD Streamz is a comprehensive entertainment app that streams live TV, movies, sports events, radio stations, and more. It offers SD, HD, and Full HD streams, with a solid lineup of local and international channels.

3. OLA TV

OLA TV provides thousands of local and international channels, covering sports, entertainment, kids’ content, news, music, movies, and TV shows. It offers networks from regions like Spain, Italy, Turkey, the UK, and the US. The APK is compatible with Fire TVs, Android devices, and Windows.

4. TVTap

TVTap is designed for live TV streaming on smartphones and smart TVs. It offers a wide variety of local and global channels across many genres. The app also suggests personalized channels based on your viewing preferences. Popular channels include ABC News and Arena Sport.

5. Rokkr

Rokkr lets you stream live TV, movies, sports, and TV shows without any subscription or registration. Although it’s available on Google Play and Apple Store, it’s not in the Amazon App Store, so you’ll need to sideload it using the Downloader app.

6. Rapid Streamz

Rapid Streamz has become a favored alternative to traditional cable TV, offering numerous live channels across various languages, regions, and genres. It also includes movies, TV shows, documentaries, and allows content downloads for offline viewing.

7. HDTV Ultimate

HDTV Ultimate provides a vast collection of live TV, movies, TV shows, news, sports, and more. With over 1,000 channels available, it’s a strong choice for streaming both local and international content.

8. Sports Fire

Sports Fire specializes in sports content, including live events, schedules, scores, and highlights. It covers a variety of sports such as basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, badminton, and more, with streams available in HD and SD. The app is simple to navigate and user-friendly. These third-party apps require sideloading as most are not officially available on the Amazon App Store. To protect your privacy and security while using these apps, consider using a reliable VPN.

Method #6: Live TV Kodi Addons

Kodi Media Player supports both live and on-demand streaming. You can install live TV addons on Kodi to watch local and international channels.

The Crew

The Crew is a comprehensive addon offering both VOD and live content. It has a dedicated live TV section for easy browsing. The home menu includes Movies, TV Shows, Sports, IPTV, Kids, 1 Click, CC Collections, Tools, and Search. Under the IPTV tab, you can find local and international channels. The Crew also supports premium services like Real Debrid, Trakt, and Premiumize for enhanced audio and video quality.
Source URL: https://team-crew.github.io
Repository: The Crew

Daddy Live

Daddy Live is a live TV addon that features various channels and live sports. Available from The Crew repository, it’s praised for smooth streaming and a clean, minimal interface. It offers local and national channels across multiple genres including kids, movies, shows, documentaries, and news.
Source URL: https://team-crew.github.io
Repository: The Crew

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a trusted free streaming platform owned by Paramount Global. The Kodi addon provides access to over 100 live channels at no cost, covering local news, entertainment, sports, politics, comedy, movies, and kids’ content. It’s hosted in the SlyGuy repository.
Source URL: https://k.slyguy.xyz
Repository: SlyGuy

Samsung TV Plus

As the name suggests, Samsung TV Plus is an official Kodi addon developed by Samsung. Available via the SlyGuy repository, it offers live channels from various countries including Austria, Canada, Germany, France, India, the UK, and more. The addon features a simple interface with menus like Live TV, My Channels, Search, and Settings. It covers a wide range of genres such as comedies, shows, movies, sports, news, and kids’ programming.
Source URL: https://k.slyguy.xyz
Repository: SlyGuy

Stirr

The Stirr Kodi addon streams free content from the Stirr platform, a growing free streaming service formerly owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Stirr offers hundreds of free live TV channels including local news channels like Voice of America, OAN Plus, EuroNews, and NTD, along with entertainment, music, nature, comedy, food, and fitness channels.
Source URL: https://k.slyguy.xyz
Repository: SlyGuy

Method #7: Using a Digital Antenna with Fire TV Recast

Fire TV Recast has been discontinued. If you don’t own one, you can skip this section or consider purchasing a refurbished unit. This is the simplest way to watch local channels on your FireStick. The Amazon Fire TV Recast is a device that allows you to watch and record over-the-air (OTA) broadcast TV.

Fire TV Recast was available in two models:

  • 500 GB with two tuners
  • 1 TB with four tuners

While it’s pricier than a FireStick, it’s more affordable than a traditional cable subscription over time. The Recast connects wirelessly to your digital antenna and your router, so it doesn’t need a physical connection to your TV. You can control it using the Amazon Fire TV app on your smartphone. Fire TV Recast receives OTA live TV channels through the antenna and also functions as a DVR, allowing you to record hundreds of hours of content.

You can stream major local channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, and others, including local news, sports, and documentaries. Depending on your Recast model, you can record two or four shows simultaneously and even watch two streams at once. You don’t need a FireStick to use the Recast—you can also use it with the Fire TV mobile app, though some features may be limited. Alternatives like Tablo work similarly with OTA antennas and may be less expensive, but Fire TV Recast integrates seamlessly with your FireStick, making it a convenient choice.

Best VPNs for Streaming — Final Score:

Rank Provider Overall Score Best Deal
1
9.8
★★★★★
save 84% VISIT WEBSITE >
2
9.6
★★★★★
save 83% VISIT WEBSITE >
3
9.4
★★★★★
save 84% VISIT WEBSITE >

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch normal TV on FireStick?

Yes, you can watch normal TV on FireStick in several ways. These methods include using a paid IPTV service, free streaming services, standalone network apps, third-party apps, and Kodi.

Do you need an antenna to get local channels on FireStick?

No. While using an OTA antenna with a device like the Amazon Recast is one way to stream local TV channels on your FireStick device, it is not the only way. You can also use other services, such as IPTV streaming services like AT&T TV and Hulu + Live TV. Moreover, you can also use free IPTV services.

Is a subscription required to view local channels on FireStick?

Many live TV streaming services are not free and require a monthly subscription. On the other hand, some services are free, such as the Amazon News app and the third-party Live NetTV application . These free apps are ad-supported.

What are the major local TV channels?

The major OTA TV networks in the US are ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, and FOX. These networks have affiliates in virtually every major US city, and those affiliates operate the corresponding local channels. The channels’ availability depends mainly on your location.

Wrapping Up

This guide explained how to get local channels on FireStick. The methods discussed above will help you access programs from local TV networks, including news, sports, kids’ shows, entertainment, movies, and talk shows. They offer straightforward methods for watching regular TV on FireStick. Which of the methods do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below.

 

FAQ Section