7 Smart Ways to Stream Local Channels on Firestick

Want to stream local channels on Firestick without the cable bill? You’re not alone. From live news to regional sports, local content still matters in 2025. In this guide, we’ll break down the smartest ways to watch local channels on Firestick, free and paid. Let’s explore what actually works, based on your budget and tech comfort.

Where to Watch Local Channels on Firestick

Local Channel	Streaming Apps	Network App	Free Apps	Browser Access	OTA Antenna (Fire TV Recast)
ABC	YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, Sling (select markets)	ABC App (requires TV provider login)	Local Now (select markets)	Local ABC affiliate site (via Silk browser)	✅
NBC	YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, Sling (select markets)	NBC App (requires TV provider login)	Amazon News App	nbclocal.com / NBC affiliate sites	✅
CBS	YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV	Paramount+ (live CBS in select areas)	Pluto TV (limited)	cbsnews.com/live or local CBS affiliate	✅
FOX	YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, Sling (select markets)	FOX Now App (TV provider required)	Tubi TV (on-demand FOX content)	fox.com/live or affiliate sites	✅
PBS	YouTube TV	PBS App (free live streams in many regions)	N/A	pbs.org/live or local PBS station sites	✅
CW	Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV (select areas)	CW App (free episodes)	N/A	local CW station website	✅
MyNetworkTV	YouTube TV (select markets)	No standalone app	N/A	Affiliate site (varies by city)	✅

Use Legal IPTV Services to Watch Local Channels on Firestick

If you want a reliable, high-quality way to watch local channels on Firestick, legal IPTV services are your best bet. Platforms like YouTube TV, fuboTV, Hulu Live, and Sling TV include local networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX.

These apps work smoothly on Firestick and offer cloud DVR, HD streams, and live sports. While they require a subscription, you’re paying for stable, legal access with no setup hassle. If you’re used to cable and want a similar experience without the wires, this is the easiest and safest starting point.

Watch Free Local Channels with Streaming Apps on Firestick

You don’t need to pay to watch local channels on Firestick. Free apps like Pluto TV, Local Now, Xumo, and NewsON offer live local news and regional content without any login or subscription.

Just install them from the Amazon Appstore and start streaming. These apps are ad-supported but completely legal. While they won’t cover every local network, they’re perfect for casual viewing and staying updated with local news or weather.

If you’re cutting costs but still want access to what’s happening around you, this is the most convenient option to start with.

Stream Local Channels on Firestick with Network Apps

Major U.S. broadcasters like ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS offer their own Firestick apps. These apps let you watch local channels on Firestick directly, some free, others requiring a TV provider login. For example, CBS content is available through Paramount+, while PBS offers on-demand local programming. These apps stream region-specific news, weather, and shows in HD.

If you’re loyal to one network or want specific programs like 60 Minutes, NBC Nightly News, or PBS NewsHour, this method delivers direct, high-quality streams without third-party clutter. Ideal for minimalists who want local access without full IPTV subscriptions.

Use the Amazon News App to Watch Local Channels on Firestick

The Amazon News app comes pre-installed on most Firestick devices and is a free way to watch local channels on Firestick. You can select your city or nearby regions to get live local newscasts from stations like CBS, ABC, and FOX affiliates.

It covers over 80 U.S. metro areas and includes curated national streams like Reuters and Bloomberg. No sign-up, no subscription, just enable local content in settings and start watching. If you want quick access to local news without installing multiple apps, this is the easiest native option built right into your Fire TV interface.

Watch Local Channels on Firestick with an Antenna and Fire TV Recast

For the most accurate local coverage, combine an over-the-air (OTA) antenna with the Fire TV Recast. This setup lets you watch local channels on Firestick like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS, all free, in HD, and without internet. The Recast acts as a DVR, sending live TV from your antenna straight to your Firestick.

It’s perfect for areas with strong signal reception and viewers who want full control, including pausing or recording local news and sports. While Recast is discontinued, it still works great in 2025. This is the most “old-school meets smart tech” method available.

Sideload Free Local Channel Apps on Firestick Using APKs

If you’re tech-savvy, you can sideload third-party APKs to watch local channels on Firestick for free. Apps like Live NetTV, HD Streamz, OLA TV, and Rapid Streamz offer access to local and international channels. These apps aren’t on the Amazon Appstore, so you’ll need to enable unknown sources and use a tool like Downloader.

While many of these apps work, they operate in a legal gray area—so using a VPN is highly recommended. This option suits users who don’t mind tinkering and want to explore free alternatives beyond official app stores.

Kodi Addons to Watch Local Channels on Firestick

Kodi transforms your Firestick into a full-featured media center, and with the right addons, you can watch local channels on Firestick with impressive flexibility. It’s not a plug-and-play option like YouTube TV, but it’s ideal for users who want a more customizable experience.

How Kodi Works on Firestick?

Kodi is a free, open-source media player. It doesn’t come with content built in, but you can install addons, which are like plugins, that stream live TV, movies, and more. Once Kodi is installed on Firestick (via the Downloader app), you can manually add repositories and access hundreds of live channels, including local news and network broadcasts.

Best Kodi Addons for Local Channels

These addons help you tap into real-time streams of local and regional content without a cable login:

The Crew

One of the most popular all-in-one Kodi addons. It includes a Live TV section where you can access U.S. local affiliates (availability depends on streams at the time). Easy to navigate and frequently updated.

Pluto TV (Official Addon)

This mirrors the Pluto TV app but inside Kodi. It streams 250+ channels for free, including local news from major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Stirr

Sinclair Broadcast Group’s service offering local news and entertainment from affiliated stations. Works well on Kodi and includes cities like San Antonio, Seattle, and Cincinnati.

DaddyLive

A go-to addon for live sports and local channels. It’s not officially supported, so streams may be inconsistent, but it covers many regional and international feeds.

Final Thoughts

Firestick offers multiple ways to access your favorite local channels, whether you prefer plug-and-play apps, browser-based streaming, or full control through Kodi or IPTV. From major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX to niche regional stations, there’s an option for every type of viewer. Choose what fits your budget, tech comfort, and content needs, and enjoy local TV, your way.