Here is the short version of how to watch local channels on Firestick: either stream them through apps (Peacock for NBC, Paramount+ Premium for CBS, FOX One for FOX, the free PBS app, or a live TV service such as YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for all of them), or pair an antenna with a network tuner whose app runs on the Firestick. Free local news apps fill in the gaps at no cost.
A Fire TV Stick plugs into HDMI and has no antenna input, so it cannot tune broadcast signals by itself. That is the key difference from a Fire TV smart TV, which often has a built-in tuner. Below are the five methods, from cheapest to most complete.
Five ways to get local channels on a Firestick
| Method | Approx. cost | Channels covered |
|---|---|---|
| Free news apps | $0 | Local news streams in many cities, not the full stations |
| Antenna + network tuner | Hardware, roughly $100 and up for tuner plus antenna | All local stations in range, live, with DVR on many models |
| Network apps | PBS free; Peacock Premium around $12.99; Paramount+ Premium around $13.99; FOX One around $19.99 | One network per app, in most markets |
| Sling Blue | Around $49.99/mo plus a local fee | ABC, FOX and NBC in select markets |
| Full live TV service | Around $82.99/mo and up | ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and often PBS in most markets |
Method 1: free local news on Fire TV
Amazon’s built-in News app on Fire TV includes local news channels from many US cities, covering ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX affiliates where they stream. Open the app, set your city, and favorite your stations. Coverage depends on what each station streams, so some areas get live newscasts and others only clips.
The free network news streams (ABC News Live, NBC News NOW, CBS News 24/7 and LiveNOW from FOX) also run on Fire TV. See our free live TV streaming apps list for more.
Method 2: antenna plus a network tuner
This is the way to get every free local station on a Firestick with no monthly bill for the channels themselves. A network tuner connects to an antenna and your home router, then streams the channels to an app on your Fire TV.
- Choose a network tuner whose app is available on Fire TV, such as models from Tablo or HDHomeRun. Check the maker’s site for current Fire TV support.
- Connect an antenna to the tuner, and the tuner to your router (Ethernet is best).
- Install the tuner’s app on the Firestick from the Amazon Appstore and run a channel scan.
- Add channels to your favorites. Some tuners also integrate with the Fire TV Live tab.
Amazon’s own Fire TV Recast did this job but has been discontinued. For antenna advice, see our guide to the best TV antennas for local channels.
Method 3: individual network apps
- NBC: Peacock Premium, around $12.99 a month after the 2026 increase, includes live NBC in most markets.
- CBS: Paramount+ Premium, around $13.99 a month, includes your local CBS station live.
- FOX: FOX One, around $19.99 a month, includes local FOX in many markets plus Fox News and Fox sports channels.
- PBS: the free PBS app streams your local station live if you live in its area.
- ABC: there is no low-cost standalone live ABC app. Use an antenna or a live TV service such as Hulu + Live TV.
Method 4 and 5: live TV services
Sling Blue is the cheapest bundle with locals, but only ABC, FOX and NBC in select markets, and Sling now charges an extra monthly fee for them. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream carry all four major networks in most markets, with a cloud DVR.
All of them have Fire TV apps, and many feed their channels into the Fire TV Live tab, so local stations show up in one guide. Our IPTV vs YouTube TV comparison helps if you are weighing a live service against other options.
Setup tips for the Fire TV Live tab
- After signing in to a supported app, open Settings, then the live TV or sync sources section, and turn on the apps you want in the guide.
- Allow location access in streaming apps so they show the right local affiliates.
- On older Firesticks, live guides can be slow. A Fire TV Stick 4K or 4K Max handles them better. Our Firestick guide covers models and setup.
- Use Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi for live sports on local channels.
Be careful with apps that promise every local channel for free. IPTV technology is legal, but unlicensed channel resellers are not, and sideloaded apps from unknown sources can carry malware. If you are comparing paid packages, our plan, IPTV Journal, is $89 for 12 months; always check what any service is licensed to carry.
Which method should you choose?
- Pay nothing monthly: antenna plus network tuner, with free news apps on top.
- One or two networks matter: the network’s own app.
- All locals plus cable channels: YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
FAQ
Can a Firestick pick up local channels with an antenna?
Not directly, because a Fire TV Stick has no antenna input. You need a network tuner that connects to the antenna and streams channels to an app on the Firestick. Some Fire TV smart TVs have a built-in tuner instead.
Is there a free way to watch local channels on Firestick?
Yes. The Fire TV News app and free network news streams are free, and the PBS app streams your local PBS station free. For full local stations without a monthly fee, use an antenna and a network tuner.
Which app has local channels on Firestick?
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream carry most locals. Single networks are on Peacock (NBC), Paramount+ Premium (CBS) and FOX One (FOX).
Is Fire TV Recast still available?
No. Amazon discontinued the Fire TV Recast, though used units are sometimes sold. Network tuners from other brands do the same job.
Why does my Firestick show the wrong local station?
Streaming apps use your location to pick affiliates. Turn on location access, check your home ZIP code in the account settings and restart the app.
Part of our guides: USA streaming guide
Author
Get IPTV Journal: 12 months for $89
20,000+ live channels, sports, PPV, movies and series on every device.
