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The number one fear that keeps people on cable isn’t sports or premium movies — it’s local channels. “If I cut the cord, do I lose my local news, my weather, my NFL games?” The answer is no — but how you keep them matters, and it depends on where you live. Here are the two ways to keep ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX after you cut cable.

Option 1: A live-TV streaming service that includes locals

Several streaming services carry your local broadcast stations, just like cable did:

• YouTube TV (~$82.99/mo), Hulu + Live TV (~$82.99/mo), and DirecTV Stream (~$86.99/mo) include local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in virtually every U.S. market.
• Fubo (~$84.99/mo) includes most locals, though NBC coverage varies.
• Sling Blue (~$50.99/mo) includes FOX and NBC in select markets only — and no ABC or CBS.

Because coverage varies, the single most important step is to check your ZIP code on the provider’s site before subscribing. Two houses in different cities can get different local lineups from the same service.

Option 2: A free over-the-air antenna

Here’s what cable companies don’t advertise: your local channels broadcast free, over the air, in HD. A one-time antenna purchase (often $20–$50) gets you ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and more with no monthly fee — often in better picture quality than streaming, because there’s no compression.

This pairs perfectly with a cheaper cable-free setup: get a budget streaming service like Philo or Sling for cable channels, and use an antenna for locals. You keep everything and still cut your bill dramatically.

Which should you choose?

• Want one simple app with everything? Pick a full live-TV service (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live, or DirecTV Stream) that includes your locals — verify your ZIP first.
• Want to save the most money? Use a free antenna for locals and a cheap streaming service for the rest.
• Live somewhere with weak broadcast signal? A streaming service with locals is the more reliable choice.

The verdict

You do not have to lose your local channels to cut cable. Most people either pick a service that bundles them or add a cheap antenna. Either way, you keep your news and your games — usually while cutting your bill in half.

Not sure which services carry your locals? The free Streampool Finder asks for your ZIP and shows which services include your local channels before you sign up.

FAQ

Do all streaming services have local channels? No. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live, DirecTV Stream, and (mostly) Fubo do; cheaper services like Philo, Frndly, and Sling Orange don’t. An antenna fills the gap for free.

How do I know if my ZIP gets locals on a service? Every provider has a channel-lookup tool on its site — enter your ZIP before subscribing. Our Finder points you to what to check.

Is an antenna hard to set up? No — most are a flat panel you place near a window and plug into your TV, then run a channel scan. No monthly bill, ever.