Free news streaming is one of the easiest ways to cut the cord. Major international broadcasters distribute live news online as a public service, and many maintain official 24/7 YouTube livestreams.
Best Free International News Channels
DW (Deutsche Welle)
Languages: English + many
Available on: YouTube, Pluto TV, Plex, website
Official site: dw.com/en/live-tv
Al Jazeera English
Languages: English / Arabic
Available on: YouTube, Pluto TV, website
Official site: aljazeera.com
France 24
Languages: English / French / Arabic / Spanish
Available on: YouTube, Pluto TV, website
Official site: france24.com/en/live
CGTN
Languages: English + many
Available on: YouTube, website
Official site: cgtn.com
Euronews
Languages: Multiple
Available on: YouTube, Pluto TV, website
Official site: euronews.com
NBC News Now
Languages: English
Available on: Peacock, Pluto TV, YouTube
Official site: nbcnews.com
NASA TV
Languages: English
Available on: YouTube, website, Pluto TV
Official site: nasa.gov/live
Free News on Streaming Services
- Pluto TV: dedicated news categories with multiple headline channels.
- Plex: live news channels plus a broad free catalog.
- Peacock (US): NBC news content and clips.
- Samsung TV Plus: regional news channels in supported countries.
How to Watch Free News Without Cable
- YouTube: search the official channel name and open the Live tab.
- FAST apps: open the News category in Pluto TV or Plex.
- Smart TV built-in: use built-in FAST services (Samsung TV Plus) where available.
- Legal playlists: load a reputable free-to-air playlist and filter by news categories.
Free News by Country (Quick Reference)
| Country | Broadcaster | How to watch |
|---|---|---|
| UK | BBC / Sky News | Official apps and official YouTube channels (availability varies) |
| US | NBC / ABC | Official YouTube channels, Peacock, FAST apps |
| Germany | DW / ARD | DW live + official broadcaster mediatheks |
| France | France 24 / ARTE | Official sites and YouTube |
| Australia | ABC | Official broadcaster apps and YouTube |
| Canada | CBC | Official website/app (availability varies) |
Frequently Asked Questions
BBC News clips are widely available, but full live access can be region-restricted. For international news, official channels like DW and Al Jazeera stream free globally.
CNN access varies by region and platform. Many countries have free alternatives via public broadcasters and official YouTube channels.
Al Jazeera streams free on its official website and official YouTube channels in many regions.
For many viewers, YouTube is the simplest. FAST apps like Pluto TV and Plex also include free news channels.
It depends on your country and local broadcaster policies. Many provide free clips and some offer free live streams.