As cord-cutting has failed to deliver the savings many expected, with streaming subscriptions increasingly rivalling traditional cable bills, this guide sets out how viewers can still watch local news, sport and entertainment for free. It matters because many people assume paid streaming services are the only route to live local broadcasts, when in fact several free alternatives exist for those willing to do a little research or basic setup.

The most established option is over-the-air (OTA) digital broadcasting, accessed via an antenna connected to a television, which has been used for local programming since the 1940s and moved to digital transmission by the late 1990s. US regulations require all televisions sold after March 2007 to include a digital tuner, and indoor antennas can cost as little as $15, with outdoor long-range models still far cheaper than a cable subscription; most broadcasts are also available in HDTV. Rural viewers are generally advised to use outdoor antennas for greater range, while those in cities can usually manage with cheaper indoor models, with some smart TVs, such as Roku sets, offering built-in setup guides.