CBS News has launched CBS News 24/7, a free anchored streaming news service available to anyone with internet access worldwide [1, 2].
The service represents a strategic shift toward digital-first distribution, aiming to capture a global audience through a continuously anchored format. By removing paywalls and geographic restrictions, the network intends to compete directly with other free digital news aggregators and live-streaming platforms.
The service provides breaking news, live events, original reporting, and storytelling [1, 2]. It utilizes a combination of top anchors and correspondents from both CBS News and its local stations to populate its programming [1, 2]. This integration allows the network to leverage local reporting for a global audience, creating a centralized destination for its diverse news assets.
Beyond the programming, the operational side of the service has seen recent labor developments. A union representing the service consists of 60 members [3]. This group recently reached a tentative three-year contract deal [3].
CBS News said the platform is designed to be the primary destination for the network's live events and original reporting [1, 2]. The service is accessible via the internet, ensuring that breaking news is delivered in real time regardless of the viewer's location [1, 2].
“Available for free to anyone with internet access worldwide”
The move to a free, 24/7 anchored streaming model indicates a broader industry trend where traditional broadcasters are pivoting away from linear cable dependencies. By integrating local station assets into a global stream, CBS is attempting to scale its brand reach while maintaining the authority of a legacy news organization in a fragmented digital market.
